Tuesday, December 16

Not the ultimate goal: With just three games remaining in the season, the stakes get higher every week.

And for the Steelers, that is the case this week.

While the team has already clinched a playoff berth, the Steelers can win the AFC North on Saturday with a win over the Ravens, checking off one of their goals.

But they want more.

"It's one of the goals, but it's not the ultimate goal," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "We understand that there's a checklist we made for ourselves.

"We talk about being a top team in the AFC. To be a top team in the AFC, you need to win the AFC North, to get to the playoffs. Obviously, we already (got in the playoffs).

"We want home games in January. This is a step toward that."

While the stakes are higher, and some are drawing it up to be a playoff-like atmosphere, the team will approach this game the same as they do every other game.

It's one of 17 on the schedule and the goal is to come away with a win.

"The way we're looking at it is we're going into a hostile environment and it's against a quality opponent," said Heyward. "I don't know if it's playoffs or not.

"The main thing we are just trying to get a W in Baltimore."

The Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, in Week 11 at Acrisure Stadium, but going against them a second time, Heyward knows anything can happen.

"We know each other," said Heyward. "We know what type of game it is. I think that plays into constructing good game plans. But as they know you, you have to execute better.

"This matchup comes down to a few plays, so it's really highlighted by turnovers, special teams, the team that gets off the field fastest. Hopefully our defense is ready to do that."

The defense was ready from the get-go the last time the two teams met. Linebacker Nick Herbig forced a Derrick Henry fumble on the second play from scrimmage and DeShon Elliott recovered, leading to a Chris Boswell field goal.

"It was a monumental play to start the game off," said Heyward. "I thought it provided a little bit of splash to get the game started."

He's over it: The last time the Steelers and Ravens met, linebacker Patrick Queen had visions of beating his former team dancing in his head.

This week, it's a different approach, but still looking for the same result.

Queen isn't focused on playing his former team, but rather playing one of the top teams in the AFC North that is trying to stand in the way of one of the Steelers goals.

Winning the AFC North.

"I'm over it," said Queen of his feelings about the Ravens. "We clinched a playoff spot. There are bigger things to look at down the road.

"Right now, this is a big game. It's a division game. A chance to get t-shirts and hats. I'm all for it, all for the rivalry, but I'm over my old team."

Despite being over the Ravens, Queen said it would be great to win the division at an AFC North venue, even if it isn't the ultimate goal.

"It will be nice," said Queen. "That's definitely a goal some people have. But my goal is bigger things.

"I would definitely be excited with my teammates to go into a division opponent and get that kind of win. This is a game we have to take seriously. A t-shirt and hat game. It's a huge game.

"I am ready to go and do that."

Something to play for: He might be a rookie, but linebacker Payton Wilson knows exactly what he is playing for this week.

A t-shirt and a hat.

And they are items that are earned, not given.

The Steelers have the opportunity to win the AFC North with a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, a game with a lot riding on it. Including a t-shirt and hat that the AFC North champs receive.

"It's big," said Wilson. "Obviously playing for a hat and t-shirt in this one. There's a lot of weight on it.

"To be a part of it, I'm grateful. Obviously, the first one we got the win, but that means nothing. We've got to go out and execute.

"We're playing an amazing team with amazing players, so we have to have an amazing week of practice, on a short week, and just go out there and execute."

And when Wilson says the Ravens have amazing players, he isn't joking. It starts with quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the key is to keep him off the field.

The Steelers were able to do that early in the Week 11 win over the Ravens when Nick Herbig forced a Derrick Henry fumble on the second offensive play of the game.

It's going to take more plays like that this week for the Steelers to come out on top.

"I think Coach Danny Smith says it the best in our special teams meeting," said Wilson. "To beat quarterbacks like this, you have to keep them off the field. Nick Herbig stealing a possession like he did, that's what you have to do to beat people like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, the guys that are in this conference. You just have to take possessions away from them and stuff like that. That's how you keep them off the field.

"You get Russ (Wilson) on the field, you get Najee (Harris) on the field, those guys that can score. Being able to steal possessions from these great all-time quarterbacks is very important."

This being the second meeting between the two teams this year gives the players a little bit of an advantage in knowing their opponent, but it goes the same for the Ravens.

"I think there's pros and cons because the stuff that you know about them, they also know that about you," said Wilson. "Every advantage we think we have, they have the same advantage. Everybody has the same amount of time to prepare.

"But for me, it's super cool. When we played the Browns, some of the stuff that we talked about in that game was showing back up. So, it's just really cool to be in the first game plan practice of the week and know what's going on and have a feel for what you're getting on certain down and distances, in certain situations and personnel."

Playing for the title: 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."

Cast your vote: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

Pro Bowl Games voting is underway in the NFL and it's up to you to get Steelers players their well-deserved spot.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 2.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 23. A social aspect of voting will be available on "X" beginning on Dec. 9. Fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by posting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official "X" handle or creating a hashtag including the player's first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 22 – Dec. 23), social votes will count as double.

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

Show support for Larry: Larry Ogunjobi is the Steelers 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee and fans can help him win the Charity Challenge.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Fans can vote on X (formerly Twitter) by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 6.

Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's nominees, including Ogunjobi, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.