NFL Rivalries 2017: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

The best NFL rivalries resonate with all fans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry is healthy as ever, but which team holds the edge?

As the 2017 NFL season approaches, we check in on the status of the best and most heated rivalries around the league. Some of these rivalries are as hot as ever. Others lay dormant after years of feisty competitions. Yet those examples pale in comparison to the most embarrassing of rivalry tropes — when you are not your rival’s rival.

First up on the docket is the AFC North rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. This may be the best in the entire league, but that debate is for another day.

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, discuss NFL Rivalries 2017 in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

This may be the angriest and most violent of NFL rivalries going. That’s not to say that people break the rules and cross the line. That happens with Pittsburgh in a different rivalry! Instead, Steelers-Ravens games are hard-hitting and bone-breaking affairs.

Let’s hit up the rivalry questionnaire.

1. Is this still a rivalry?

Todd Salem: Unequivocally, yes. These two teams are still good, still reside in the same division, continually battle for playoff spots, and neither side can grab a clear upper hand.

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Pittsburgh won the latest meeting between the two, but Baltimore won four-straight prior to that. Since 2000, the teams are 19-19 against each other (counting playoffs). They each have two Super Bowl titles this century to boot.

Dan Salem: Hell yes, this is an NFL rivalry. It might be the best rivalry in all of football, because it transcends fanbases. Most NFL rivalries are only exciting to the local fans. But Pittsburgh and Baltimore is one matchup that all NFL fans get excited about. Plus both teams have been good, still are good, and have continuity at quarterback. It’s a dogfight every season for AFC North dominance.

2. Which side of this pairing would you rather be on?

Todd Salem: While both are quality picks, Pittsburgh feels like the more solid foundation, while Baltimore is scrambling to get back to postseason contention. The Steelers have the much better offense, and neither team possesses the dominant defense it relied on earlier this decade.

Dan Salem: The underdog in me wants to pick Baltimore, as I am a Jets fan, but the Steelers are way more fun to root for and watch right now. They have the best wide receiver in the game, Antonio Brown, along with the best or second best running back in Le’Veon Bell. Since Big Ben Roethlisberger has only one or two seasons left, it’s even more exciting to be a Pittsburgh fan right now.

3. What should we expect from this matchup in 2017?

Todd Salem: Pittsburgh hasn’t won on the road in this battle since 2012. The Steelers’ early season schedule is quite easy, though, around their game at Baltimore. The rematch in Pittsburgh later in the year is in the midst of quite a formidable slate for Pitt. I could see a series split in 2017, but with the road team winning each game.

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Dan Salem: I picked them earlier in the year and I’m sticking by Baltimore. The Ravens rise up to win the AFC North division this season, but that doesn’t mean the Steelers are slouches. Pittsburgh is going to be nearly as good, earning a Wild Card berth. As for the head-to-head matchups, I too see a split, with the home team winning both games.

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