The Baltimore Ravens Thought To Hold The Edge Over The Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens have had plenty of success under Lamar Jackson, and there will be much more to come in the future. However, there is one core part of being a Raven that Jackson has consistently struggled with: beating the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Throughout his career, Jackson is just 1-3 as a starter (yes, he really only started four games against Pittsburgh) against the team wearing the black and gold. Also, he has completed just 59.1 percent of his passes for 870 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions, along with 262 rushing yards and no touchdowns plus seven fumbles (three lost). His 66.8 passer rating is his worst against a single opponent.

Baltimore’s recent struggles against Pittsburgh aren’t all about Jackson, as the latter has won seven of the last eight meetings, but it shows how one-sided the rivalry has been lately.

That said, Sunday’s meeting in Pittsburgh offers a chance for redemption. First place in the AFC North is up for grabs, and analysts seem to think Baltimore has a good shot at taking the lead.

The Ravens website sampled 57 analysts from 10 different outlets, and 39 of them predicted a Baltimore win. Most who predicted such an outcome believe the Ravens’ high-flying offense will wear down the Steelers’ defense, while Pittsburgh’s offense won’t be able to make enough plays to keep up.

“I think the game changer here will be Derrick Henry,” wrote John Breech of CBS Sports. “The Steelers are 6-0 this season when they hold their opponent under 100 rushing yards, but 1-2 when they do” t. If Henry can steamroll his way through the Steelers and help Baltimore control the game on the ground, then will the Ravens have a good chance to leave Pittsburgh in total control of the AFC North, and I’d say it’s happening.”

On the other hand, there are still quite a few experts who believe Pittsburgh will continue its recent dominance in this rivalry, pointing to the defense’s ability to rattle Jackson just enough.

“The Steelers have owned this series since 2019 despite the Ravens’ overall superiority, and will enter Sunday believing they have the formula to continue their dominance,” wrote the Baltimore Sun’s Childs Walker. “So much will come down to Lamar Jackson, who is in the biggest passing role of his career. Can he go against the opponent that has bothered him more than anyone? Not this time. Pittsburgh will limit him just enough, and Russell Wilson will capitalize on the Ravens’ fatal flaw.”

Of course, predictions won’t mean anything when kickoff rolls around. 1 p.m. ET.

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