When the Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, there will be a lot on the line, as there always is when the two AFC North rivals meet.
This time, though, it might be a little bit more.
The Steelers have already secured a playoff berth, but if they defeat the Ravens, they will win the AFC North. The Steelers are 10-4 and in first place in the AFC North, while the Ravens are right behind them at 9-5. The Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, in Week 11 at Acrisure Stadium.
Coach Mike Tomlin, who has led the team to seven AFC North titles, understands the importance of the game.
"Really excited about this opportunity for obvious reasons," said Tomlin. "It's a divisional game. It's a road divisional game. It's Baltimore.
"I understand the nature of this rivalry and the amount of attention that it brings, and it's exciting and humbling to be a part of it.
"While at the same time we've got an opportunity to pursue a division championship this week. We're excited. We respect this process of preparation. We're going to display our excitement by getting singularly focused on what it is that we need to do to prepare."
