Football is just one of those games, man, or maybe we’re victims of harboring some unhealthy addiction. Truth be told, we could watch a primetime game featuring two bottom-feeders and name at least five reasons it should be included in someone’s ‘can’t miss’ list. The Baltimore Ravens vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers clash has never been a tough sale to anyone. Two proud franchises. A bitter rivalry. There’s typically something to play for, and there is always one or two future All-Pros or Hall of Famers smack dab in the middle of the action.This time around, it’s the same old story. First place in the AFC North is on the line for two teams who refused to put a stamp on Week 13 and snatch the advantage from the other.Ravens and Steelers losses lead us to present circumstances, a game again loaded with firepower and star power. One team has to win. The other has to lose, unless of course there’s a tie or something. Aaron Rodgers, quarterbackAt 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers is still playing, but just barely. His legacy in Canton, Ohio, is certain, yet he desires to continue his career for a while longer. He is expected to lead the Steelers on the field.After leaving Week 13’s loss briefly with a wrist injury, he returned to join his teammates in defeat. This week, he sat out practice on Wednesday. He was a full participant on Thursday and wasn’t among the players named on Friday who will sit out.Worth mentioning: Rodgers’ injured wrist isn’t on his throwing hand. Mason Rudolph is the backup. He’s the next man up should anything happen to Rodgers.Jaylen Warren & Kenneth Gainwell, running backsThe top two running backs on Pittsburgh’s depth chart are Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. The former has run for 639 yards and four touchdowns on 151 carries. The latter has notched 356 yards and three trips to the end zone on 76 totes. They have combined for 71 receptions, 487 yards receiving, and three scores thanks to 83 total targets. Keep an eye on both in the Steelers’ rushing and receiving game. D.K. Metcalf & Calvin Austin III, wide receiversCalvin Austin III has missed two of the Steelers’ 12 games, but he is the best wide receiver on Pittsburgh’s roster not named D.K. Metcalf. Austin has accounted for 278 yards receiving and two TDs on 26 receptions. Metcalf may have lost a step, but it’s only one. He has pitched in with 45 receptions, 605 yards receiving, and five scores. All lead the team. Pat Freiermuth, tight endFriermuth and Austin are tied for the second-highest reception total. Friermuth ranks second in both receiving yards (298) and receiving TDs (four). A Steeler to his core, this six-foot-five weapon was a second-round draft choice in 2021. He’s one of Rodgers’ favorite targets, so the Ravens had better be ready. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Six players to watch on Pittsburgh’s offense vs. Baltimore defense
