Steelers vs. Ravens: 5 questions with the enemy ahead of Week 18

It’s a battle for the AFC North and a playoff spot as the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 8-8 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Earlier this week, I spoke with Nikhil Mehta, the managing editor of SB Nation’s Ravens website Baltimore Beatdown, to learn what to expect from the Steelers’ Week 18 opponent.

You can read my questions and his answers below:

1. There’s been a lot of noise from the national media about whether Tyler Huntley or Lamar Jackson should start on Sunday, and even some rumblings that Jackson’s time with the Ravens could come to a close sooner than expected. What’s your take on all the controversy? Is there anything there, or is it just tired, late-season talking points?

Any talk about starting Huntley in Pittsburgh died with Jackson’s full practice participation this week. And commentary on Jackson’s tenure in Baltimore is just that: commentary. It’s no secret that Jackson is, shall we say, enigmatic, perhaps even mercurial. But there is little question that he is well worth any minor headaches he creates (not to mention his contract). Another season without a Super Bowl would still stir some questions heading into contract negotiations, but both sides have been in this position before and emerged from the other side together.

2. On a similar note, the Ravens haven’t had the year many expected, and much like the Steelers and Mike Tomlin, there’s talk that Baltimore should move on from John Harbaugh. What are the chances the Ravens do this? And do you think it would be the right move?

Everyone knows the Ravens’ schtick: contention and continuity. That is exactly what John Harbaugh gives them, which is why he will probably keep his job. He also has a few years left on his contract. Missing the playoffs as a result of getting swept by the Steelers would still feel like a clear sign to re-evaluate things, but moving on still feels unlikely.

But Harbaugh has not been able to put this team over the top and he may no longer be the right man for that task. There have been too many clear coaching mistakes over the last few years that have severely cost the Ravens. Though coordinators certainly played a role, the buck stops with the head coach.

3. Derrick Henry put up Madden-like numbers in Baltimore’s win over Green Bay last week. After a lot of concerns earlier in the season about the Ravens’ offensive line, are they starting to put it together?

Baltimore’s offensive line had one of their best games in Green Bay, but the contributions of the Ravens’ other blockers helped maximize Henry’s output. The Packers also had a much weaker defensive line without Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt. The Steelers’ defensive line is back to full strength and should still be a problem on Sunday. Then again the Ravens have a habit of ripping off dominant rushing performances in these games.

4. The Ravens defense has also...