The AFC North has often been regarded as one of the best divisions in the NFL. Many expected its constituent teams to be competitive this season. However, that has not been the case. Only one team from that division will make the playoffs. It all comes down to Week 18 between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. While that’s historically been one of the league’s best rivalries, former NFL offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles doesn’t have a high opinion of that matchup.
“Let’s talk about what’s gonna happen here in Week 18 with the Toilet Bowl,” Sirles said recently on his OLine Committee podcast. “The Toilet Bowl division winners that are gonna get flexed to Sunday Night Football. All they’re getting is congratulations, you get one more check, and you get one more extra week of practice, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Panthers.
“Great job, everyone, for getting one week of participation trophy going in because neither one of those teams looks competent enough to win a playoff game right now. It’s the best of the worst.”
Sirles isn’t wrong to be down on the AFC North matchup. Neither the Steelers nor the Ravens has played particularly inspiring football this season. The Ravens are currently 8-8, while the Steelers are 9-7. They’ve both been mediocre.
Both teams could also be missing some crucial pieces in Week 18. Lamar Jackson hasn’t looked like himself for most of the year due to injuries, and he missed Week 17 with a back issue. There’s no guarantee that he’ll suit up this week. DK Metcalf is still suspended, and T.J. Watt could continue to miss time with his lung issue.
However, this game still has some interesting storylines. For example, this could be Aaron Rodgers’ final NFL game. He considered retiring after last year. If the Steelers lose, his legendary career could be over.
Whichever team wins the AFC North won’t face a perfect team in the first round of the playoffs. No team in the AFC looks unbeatable. If the Steelers get into the postseason, they’ll get Metcalf back, and Watt could also return. Those two players would provide a huge boost.
It’s still the Ravens and Steelers, too. Those two teams often bring out the best in each other. They’ve put on some classic battles in the past. Even if some major players aren’t present, it could still be an intense game. Everything is on the line.