Steelers vs Ravens Week 11 Showdown: Live Updates, Highlights, and Where to Watch
The AFC North always brings the intensity, and the Week 11 battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is already living up to its reputation as one of the NFL’s premier matchups. Both teams are coming into this game with a lot to prove, and fans are on the edge of their seats as the traditional rivalry continues. Not to mention, playoff implications are thick in the air!
Game Summary: Growing Rivalry, Intense Moments
Let’s talk about the history! Steelers-Ravens is no ordinary rivalry—this goes back decades, and the competition has been nothing short of fierce. Throughout the exchange of field goals, sacks, and special teams play, it’s evident that every yard matters when these two teams meet. This one is no different, featuring plenty of hard-nosed football!
As we kick things off, the Ravens are the favorites, and for good reason. Sporting an improved offense, deadly on command, and with quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the charge, they’ve been tough to stop this season. But don’t underestimate Pittsburgh who has turned into a defensive powerhouse, led by T.J. Watt, the reigning defensive player of the year.
The importance of this game is monumental for playoff positioning, especially within the competitive AFC North. Entering Week 11, the Ravens controlled the division, but the Steelers are still very much alive in the race. A win here pushes them firmly back into the mix while simultaneously boosting morale for the stretch run of games left in the season.
Quarterback Matchup: Lamar Jackson vs Kenny Pickett
On paper, fans might immediately give Lamar Jackson the upper hand over Steelers’ rookie signal-caller Kenny Pickett, but football isn’t played on paper! Both quarterbacks have a lot at stake in this game. Lamar, a former MVP, is still trying to prove he’s the best dual-threat QB in the league while the rookie Pickett aims to cement himself as the future of Pittsburgh football.
Jackson came into the game trailing a bit in passing yards compared to others around the league but makes up for it with his incredible ability to run the football and extend plays. Meanwhile, Pickett has shown flashes of genius in key moments of the season and is working hard to adjust to the NFL’s faster pace.
Keep a close eye on how each performs under pressure. Will Jackson’s legs cause trouble for the Steelers’ defense, or will Pickett step up against a strong Ravens’ defensive front?
Where to Watch the Game
If you’re tuning in to explore the action live, don’t miss your chance. You can catch this game live on CBS Sports or stream it online through affiliated partners. Fans who want inside coverage including live play-by-play can also head to CBS Sports’ Live Game Tracker to keep an eye on real-time updates!
Key Plays and Highlights So Far
- Ravens Make the First Move: The Ravens capitalized on their first drive with kicker Justin Tucker converting a field goal to give Baltimore the early edge, 3-0.
- Kenny Pickett Answers Back: Pittsburgh rookie QB Kenny Pickett fired a touchdown pass to George Pickens to give the Steelers an early lead. Doesn’t the Pickett-to-Pickens connection sound like music to Steelers fans’ ears?
- Lamar Takes Over: Jackson flashed his athleticism by scampering into the end zone for a 14-yard rushing touchdown. The Ravens reclaimed the momentum, pulling ahead to 10-7.
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
1. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Let’s face it, there’s no talking about the Baltimore Ravens without mentioning their electric quarterback Lamar Jackson. As a legitimate dual threat, Jackson can hurt you both through the air and on the ground. Steelers fans know this too well. He has already made a few jaw-dropping plays, including an impressive run this game that continues to show why he’s one of the most dynamic QBs in the NFL.
For Jackson, keeping the turnovers low will be critical against a relentless Pittsburgh defensive squad that averages multiple sacks per game. Let’s not forget he’s going up against a guy named T.J. Watt.
2. T.J. Watt (Steelers)
Speaking of Watt, he’s an absolute game-wrecker. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has once again made his presence felt tonight. Coming into Week 11, Watt had already notched double-digit sacks and plenty more quarterback pressures to go along with it. As a pass and run-stopper, there are few better in the league.
3. Mark Andrews (Ravens)
Mark Andrews has often been the go-to guy in crunch time for Lamar Jackson. The tight end is one of the best in the NFL, especially in red-zone situations. Defending his size and strength is tough for any secondary, and Pittsburgh will have its hands full keeping him at bay, especially in critical third-down moments.
Critical Game Insights
- Turnover Battle: One of the key battles in this game will be turnovers. Pittsburgh thrives off takeaway opportunities, especially when their defense has momentum. Look for them to try and force Jackson into some ill-advised throws or fumble opportunities.
- Rushing Success: The game will likely be decided by who can establish the run more effectively. Baltimore ranks high in rushing yards per game, largely due to Jackson’s ability to create on the ground. Conversely, the Steelers have been inconsistent and may need Najee Harris to have a big day.
- Injuries: With both teams bruised from the season grind, players missing from action could have impacts on this war. Baltimore has struggled without certain defensive starters, and Pittsburgh is similarly battling injury concerns.
What’s on the Line?
For both teams, this game has major playoff implications. The NFL season is a grind-the-steel type of mission, but this mid-season battle feels more like a playoff atmosphere. Both teams enter knowing that a win could mean a significant boost in positioning come postseason play. For Ravens and Steelers fans, a win over a divisional rival just makes it all the sweeter.
What We’ve Seen So Far
Here’s a look at some of the first-half stats and significant contributions:
- Lamar Jackson: 110 passing yards, 52 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Kenny Pickett: 124 passing yards, 1 TD
- Najee Harris: 57 rushing yards, 1 reception
- Mark Andrews: 5 receptions, 45 yards
- George Pickens: 4 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
- T.J. Watt: 2 sacks, 5 total tackles
What’s Next?
As we approach halftime and begin to look ahead at the forthcoming action, both teams need to rethink their strategies slightly. For the Ravens, it’s about managing game control, and for the Steelers, it’s finding a way to slow down Baltimore’s run game. Don’t be surprised if it comes down to the wire! This is Steelers-Ravens territory, after all!
Final Thoughts
If there’s one NFL matchup that never disappoints, it’s Ravens vs. Steelers. No matter the records or what’s at stake, these two teams go to battle in a way that football fans everywhere can appreciate. With lots of action left to play in Week 11, the outcome of this game will reverberate throughout the AFC North, playoff picture, and even future matchups. Settle in, folks—it’s going to be a wild ride!
Still Want More? Here’s How to Follow
If you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about how things shake out, be sure to stay connected to the action with live updates from CBS Sports’ live tracker. You won’t want to miss any game-changing plays or sideline drama as it unfolds. Also, don’t forget to tune in to CBS for live coverage or check your favorite streaming platform.
Originally Written by: Tyler Sullivan
