The Pittsburgh Steelers have a date with the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 18 winner-take-all contest. The Steelers were riding high after earning their third straight win in Week 16 by beating the Detroit Lions, but that momentum came to a halt in Week 17 with a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Now everything comes down to the regular season finale. The winner of Week 18 will claim the AFC North crown and punch their ticket to the postseason, while the loser will see their 2025 season come to a sudden and disappointing end.
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Steelers’ DK Metcalf looks on during a nightmare game at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL season.
That task becomes even more difficult for Pittsburgh given who will not be on the field. The Steelers will have to play this critical matchup without superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is serving the second game of his suspension following an altercation with a Lions fan. Losing a player of Metcalf’s caliber in the biggest game of the season is far from ideal, especially against a division rival that thrives on physical, disciplined football. His absence puts added pressure on the rest of the offense to step up when the margin for error is razor thin.
The Ravens are well aware of the opportunity in front of them. Baltimore safety Alohi Gilman spoke about the team’s mindset heading into the matchup and made it clear the defense plans to take advantage of a Steelers offense missing its top playmaker. Gilman emphasized staying aggressive, trusting their preparation, and forcing Pittsburgh to win without its biggest weapon. With the AFC North and a playoff berth on the line, the Ravens see no room for sympathy, only a chance to finish the job and end their rival’s season.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously the first matchup we had with him, he was a threat to play against. He is one of the top receivers in the league. His physicality and just what he brings to the team obviously is huge,” Gilman said while speaking with NFL Network.Â
In the Steelers’ Week 14 game against the Ravens on the road, Pittsburgh came away with a 27-22 win.Â
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Steelers’ DK Metcalf celebrates after gaining a first down during a road game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
Metcalf was a major X-factor in that matchup, hauling in seven passes for 148 receiving yards and consistently creating problems for the Ravens’ defense. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches played a huge role in the Steelers’ offensive success that game.
“So having him not out there obviously is, it’s a good sign for us,” Gilman said. “But at the same time, it is tough because as a competitor, you wanna play against the best. You don’t want any excuses. You want to go out there and play ball and play at the best when they’re at their best too. So, it’s an unfortunate situation for him, but we just focus on us and what we got to do to go get a win.”
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Will Rely On Committee Of Wide Receivers
This time around, the Ravens know they will not have to account for that same level of production. With Metcalf unavailable, the Steelers will be forced to rely on a committee approach in the passing game, asking multiple receivers to step up and fill the void. That reality changes how Baltimore can approach the matchup on the back end.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
As a result, the pressure shifts squarely onto quarterback Aaron Rodgers to elevate the offense. To beat this Ravens secondary, Rodgers will need to spread the ball around, make quick decisions, and capitalize on any mismatches that do present themselves. Without their top wide receiver, the Steelers’ margin for error is smaller, and Baltimore will be looking to take full advantage.