In the unforgiving landscape of the AFC North, nothing comes easy—and that’s exactly how the Baltimore Ravens like it. Known for their physicality, discipline, and defensive dominance, the Ravens have forged a legacy of success through grit and resilience. Under head coach John Harbaugh and with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm, Baltimore has captured back-to-back division titles and firmly entrenched itself as one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders. But as the 2025 season looms, one familiar foe may pose the biggest challenge to Baltimore’s bid for a third consecutive crown: their arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is one of the most storied and hostile in NFL history. It’s a rivalry built on mutual respect and mutual disdain, on bloodied noses and bruised egos. And in recent years, the Ravens have largely had the upper hand. But this season feels different. The Steelers, retooled and re-energized, may finally have the pieces in place to push Baltimore to the brink and possibly wrest the AFC North title away from them.
That potential threat begins with coaching. Mike Tomlin remains one of the NFL’s most respected and consistent leaders, having never posted a losing season during his tenure. While the Ravens have their own stalwart in Harbaugh, Tomlin’s steady hand through transition periods—including a turbulent quarterback situation—has kept Pittsburgh relevant and dangerous. Now, with newfound clarity at key positions and a revamped offensive philosophy, the Steelers are positioned to return to their smashmouth roots while embracing modern wrinkles.
One of the biggest shifts in Pittsburgh’s outlook comes from their quarterback room. After moving on from Kenny Pickett, the Steelers took a bold and unconventional step by bringing in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson, the Super Bowl-winning veteran, offers leadership, experience, and a chip on his shoulder after his rocky stint in Denver. Fields, still young and brimming with potential, brings athleticism, upside, and a dual-threat dimension Pittsburgh hasn’t had in decades. Together, they give the Steelers flexibility and depth at the game’s most important position—something they’ve lacked since Ben Roethlisberger’s decline.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has also brought a new vision to Pittsburgh. Known for his commitment to the run game and play-action-heavy approach, Smith could finally unlock a complementary style that works in the AFC North trenches. With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren forming a dynamic backfield duo, and tight end Pat Freiermuth evolving into a reliable target, the Steelers’ offense is primed to return to form. Add in wideouts like George Pickens—one of the most dangerous young vertical threats in the league—and you have an offense that can control the clock, stretch the field, and impose its will.
Baltimore’s defense, anchored by stars like Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, will not be intimidated, but they will be tested. In recent years, the Ravens’ defense has thrived by suffocating offenses with a combination of pressure, coverage versatility, and situational awareness. But Pittsburgh’s renewed commitment to balance and unpredictability could force the Ravens to stay disciplined and creative on every down. Fields’ mobility, Wilson’s deep ball, and a heavy dose of play-action could keep even Baltimore’s elite defense guessing.
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers’ defense remains their identity. T.J. Watt is still the heartbeat of the unit—a game-wrecker capable of changing outcomes on any play. Pair him with Alex Highsmith on the edge, and you have a pass-rushing tandem that rivals any in the league. The defensive line, led by Cameron Heyward and young talents like Keeanu Benton, is built to disrupt Baltimore’s run-heavy attack and contain Lamar Jackson’s scrambling ability.
Perhaps most notably, the Steelers have quietly built one of the deeper and more versatile secondaries in the conference. Minkah Fitzpatrick remains one of the NFL’s premier safeties, and the addition of rangy, aggressive corners in the draft and free agency has given Pittsburgh the ability to match up better with Baltimore’s increasingly dynamic wide receiver group. The Ravens, now boasting talents like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and rookie Tez Walker, will face a defensive unit far more capable of limiting big plays than in years past.
It’s not just talent that makes the Steelers a threat—it’s timing and urgency. Pittsburgh hasn’t won the AFC North since 2020 and hasn’t made a serious playoff push since Roethlisberger’s twilight years. The fan base is hungry. The roster is more balanced. And perhaps most importantly, the Steelers now have a clear understanding of what they’re chasing: a Ravens team that’s proven it can win ugly, win pretty, and win consistently.
For Baltimore, the challenge isn’t just about stopping the Steelers on the field—it’s about maintaining focus and hunger. The Ravens have suffered painful playoff exits in recent seasons despite regular season dominance. The pressure is growing. Lamar Jackson, fresh off another MVP-caliber year, is still searching for that elusive deep playoff run. The front office has done its part—building a balanced roster with elite talent at every level—but the margin for error is shrinking. And with divisional games often serving as the tipping point for playoff seeding, every Ravens-Steelers matchup carries weight.
There’s also the psychological edge to consider. Ravens-Steelers games are never ordinary. No matter the records, no matter the circumstances, these two teams bring out the best—and worst—in each other. For every Lamar Jackson highlight, there’s a T.J. Watt strip sack. For every Roquan Smith tackle for loss, there’s a Najee Harris bulldozing run. These matchups often come down to who makes the fewest mistakes, who wins the field position battle, and who delivers in key moments. That level of intensity is precisely what makes Pittsburgh the most legitimate threat to Baltimore’s crown—not just because of their talent, but because of their familiarity and ferocity.
The Bengals and Browns, for all their growth, don’t carry the same emotional gravity. Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow-led offense is potent but has suffered from inconsistency and injuries. Cleveland’s defense is elite, but their quarterback situation remains a wild card. Both teams can challenge Baltimore, but neither carries the historical weight or cultural impact of Pittsburgh. When the Ravens face the Steelers, it’s never just a game—it’s a statement.
As the 2025 schedule unfolds, all eyes will be on the two matchups between these bitter rivals. The outcomes could very well determine who hosts playoff games, who wins tiebreakers, and who holds the psychological edge heading into January. If the Ravens want to secure a third straight division title, they’ll likely need to beat the Steelers at least once—and possibly twice. And that’s no easy task, especially when the Steelers are seemingly building themselves in a way to mirror and counter Baltimore’s identity.
This year’s rivalry will feature new faces and familiar themes: hard hits, close scores, momentum swings, and emotional posturing. Lamar Jackson versus T.J. Watt. Roquan Smith versus Najee Harris. Zay Flowers versus Joey Porter Jr. The matchups write themselves.
But more than individual battles, the true test for the Ravens will be whether their evolving offense, deep defense, and championship ambitions can withstand a Steelers team that looks ready to reenter the fight for AFC North supremacy. The Ravens have the advantage—for now. But in a rivalry defined by inches, one misstep could shift the balance of power back to Pittsburgh.
The road to the AFC North crown runs through a minefield. And while every divisional opponent presents challenges, it’s the Steelers—Baltimore’s oldest, most bitter rival—that loom largest. If the Ravens are to claim their third straight division title, they’ll have to earn it. And standing directly in their path is a familiar shadow, clad in black and gold, ready to take their shot.
