Key takeaways:

• For the first time in a decade, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens face off in the playoffs.
• Baltimore's Derrick Henry and Pittsburgh’s George Pickens are key players to watch in the matchup.
• The postseason rivalry features the NFL's longest-tenured coaches, John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin.
• Baltimore comes into the game with momentum, winning their last four regular-season matches.
• Injury updates indicate Ravens’ Zay Flowers will be sidelined, impacting their offensive strategy.

The long-standing rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens reaches a new chapter on Saturday night as they clash in the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Coach John Harbaugh of the Ravens and Mike Tomlin of the Steelers have been at the helm for their respective teams since the rivalry's intense history began. This weekend's game at M&T Bank Stadium is a culmination of a season-long battle for the AFC North title, and it promises to be a highly competitive matchup.

The Ravens (12-5) enter the postseason after a strong finish, winning their last four games, while the Steelers (10-7) are coming off a disappointing four-game losing streak. The stakes are high as this will be their fifth playoff meeting, with the home team historically having the advantage, winning 3 of the 4 previous matchups. “Going to Baltimore, particularly in playoff football, is something to be respected," Tomlin stated, highlighting the challenges they face in the hostile Baltimore environment.

Fans and analysts alike are keenly focused on pivotal performances from both teams. Baltimore's running back Derrick Henry is expected to play a crucial role in relieving pressure from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Henry previously struggled in their November game but rebounded in their rematch, rushing for an impressive 162 yards. On the other side, Pittsburgh will rely heavily on the potential resurgence of wide receiver George Pickens, who is essential in breaking their offensive funk.

Defensively, the matchup pits Pittsburgh's formidable defense against Baltimore's record-setting offensive line. The Ravens have recorded an NFL-best 5.76 rushing yards per attempt this season, with Turner differential being a crucial statistic in determining the outcome of the game. The Steelers’ turnover ratio of +16 demonstrates the importance of ball security, particularly for quarterback Russell Wilson, who aims to break his team’s five-game playoff losing streak.

In terms of injury updates, the Ravens will be without Zay Flowers, Jackson's top wide receiver target. His absence raises questions about how Baltimore will adjust its game plan heading into the playoffs, but receiver Rashod Bateman remains confident, remarking, “the No. 1 goal is to go out and make plays.”

Pittsburgh's recent struggles have seen them average just 14.3 points and 258 yards over their last four games, a stark contrast to their strong start to the season. This inconsistency raises concerns as they face a Ravens team that has demonstrated not only offensive prowess but also a formidable defense, finishing the regular season ranked 10th overall.

As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the outcome of this playoff game could significantly affect the legacy of both franchises and their star players. Fans eagerly await to see whether the Steelers can disrupt the Ravens' momentum and claim victory in a storied playoff rivalry that highlights the competitive spirit of the AFC North.

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