Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 18 game – USA TODAY

With the Baltimore Ravens (13-3) already having the No. 1 seed wrapped up, can the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) take advantage to secure a playoff spot?
Just when it looked like the Steelers were done for the season, Mike Tomlin’s squad rose to not only secure another winning season but a solid chance at making the playoffs. Pittsburgh went on the road to beat Seattle for a second-straight win and will need some help to get back in the playoffs for the first time in two seasons. The only question will be whether Kenny Pickett will be back, or if Mason Rudolph is still the quarterback.
After a dominating win against the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore can rest easy with the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye locked up in the playoffs. There’s no word who, or how many, starters will sit out this week, but the Ravens could have some fun in preventing a divisional rival from making the playoffs.
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Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers vs. Chiefs | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Falcons | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs. Rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
With the Ravens likely resting most of their starters, this presents a decent option for the Steelers, and quarterback Mason Rudolph, to continue their productive streak. The Steelers need a victory here to stay alive in the playoff race, so they should be plenty motivated.
Lamar Jackson is the MVP frontrunner. The Ravens led the NFL in takeaways, sacks and scoring defense. However, with the No. 1 seed already locked up, the Ravens will likely rest their starters – and they should. The Steelers need a win and some help to advance to the playoffs.
While Lamar Jackson and other Ravens standouts could rest with the No. 1 seed already clinched, I could see Baltimore using this contest to knock Pittsburgh out of the playoff mix. If Tyler Huntley starts at quarterback for Baltimore, the Ravens have enough firepower to beat the persistent Steelers.
With the No. 1 seed and division title signed, sealed and delivered, the Ravens will most likely rest Lamar Jackson and their high-powered offense. The Steelers, meanwhile, have everything to play for in their season finale. They have some nice momentum behind Mason Rudolph and pull off the road win (although it might be a close one) before saying their prayers that other games fall in their favor.
Even with nothing to play for this week, Baltimore should still make this one a game at home. Pittsburgh will be playing desperate football knowing it essentially needs a win to make the playoffs. The Ravens make it tough, but Pittsburgh prevails to stay alive heading into Sunday.
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