The Pittsburgh Steelers have their most important game of the season on Saturday.
Pittsburgh will face off against the Baltimore Ravens on the road with some serious playoff implications on the line. Unfortunately, the Steelers also won’t be at full strength in the contest. The Steelers will be without the services of star receiver George Pickens again as he deals with a hamstring injury.
It’s an important game that realistically could end up deciding the AFC North division title.
Here are two things to watch in Saturday’s showdown:
How will Russell Wilson respond?
Wilson hasn’t been as sharp with Pickens out of commission. He hasn’t reached 200 yards passing in a game since Dec. 1 thanks in large part to Pickens missing time. The Steelers are going to need Wilson to be sharp if they want to take down the Ravens. Can he return to form even with Pickens out again?
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Playoff implications
Saturday’s matchup is massively important. The Steelers are 10-4 and the Ravens are 9-5. If the Steelers win on Saturday, they will win the AFC North and guarantee themselves a top-four seed and home playoff game. A loss would open the door for anything to happen. The Steelers could still then win the division over the final two games of the season but it’s not a guarantee. There is a chance the Ravens could end up taking the top spot leading the Steelers to drop down a seed between Nos. 5 and 7.
Keep a close eye on the Steelers game on Saturday, it should be a doozy.
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Featured image via Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images