A three-and-out for Russell Wilson and the Steelers as tight end Pat Freiermuth can't get over the line on third down.

The Ravens get it back immediately. Can Pittsburgh stop Lamar and company this time?

Image source, Getty Images

When the Ravens beat the Steelers in December, Baltimore receiver Zay Flowers went for 100 yards as part of his 1,059-yard season – ranked ninth in the NFL.

But he’s injured and is not out there tonight and yet Rashod Bateman has immediately stepped up with that touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, leading Steelers receiver George Pickens missed that defeat. He is on the field for Pittsburgh - and he'll need to show his 900-yard form if this Steelers offence are going to click.

Kirk Herbstreit
Former Ohio State quarterback on Amazon Prime Video

We've seen a bit of everything on this drive. Nice job by Baltimore of mixing up the directions, mixing up the looks. This drive started on their own five yard line.

Here he comes. Derrick Henry thunders through for a 13-yard pick-up and then backs it up immediately with a powerful 33-yard motor.

He pushes safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the ground as Baltimore reach the Pittsburgh 12-yard line.

Barely any sign of Baltimore's brilliant running back Derrick Henry on this opening play as Lamar Jackson makes four straight plays with his own legs.

Just a reminder to this Steelers defence that Jackson is well prepared to make things happen by himself.

Lamar Jackson won't appreciate that, as tackle Ronnie Stanley is penalised for a false start on second down.

That five-yard penalty drops the Ravens back to the brink of their own end zone.

Jason Bell
Former NFL cornerback on Sky Sports

This is the match-up we've all come to see. MVP Lamar Jackson, can he be contained?

He can make anything happen, when a play is dead he can keep it alive. When he's in the pocket and they're forcing him to throw the ball he can make all the throws.

Image source, Getty Images

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in Baltimore for this play-off game. He usually gets a so-so reception from fans but a few Steelers followers want their Terrible Towel signing by the boss

Jaylen Warren did pick up a first down for the Steelers on their opening play but the progress is shortlived as Kyle Van Noy stops Russell Wilson on third down next time round.

No points for the visitors but there is a bit of joy as Steven Sims muffs his catch from the Pittsburgh punt.

Lamar Jackson will get the ball on his own five-yard line.

Image source, Getty Images

We've had the anthems. The eerie purple glow that lit up M&T Bank Stadium has been switched off.

And the ball is in the hands of Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.

An electric rivalry is about to get its latest instalment.

Baltimore's 355lb Michael Pierce grabbed an interception and a place in our plays of the week last week - watch out for the big man Russell Wilson!

Jason Bell says Lamar Jackson is the MVP. I guess we may find out tonight.

But before it all gets going at the atmospheric M&T Bank Stadium - what do you reckon? Best in the NFL?

Hit the thumbs.

Lamar Jackson’s post-season record is unimpressive.

Not only that, his record against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a cause for concern.

In an AFC conference that is stacked with outstanding quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow among others), perhaps Jackson needs a Super Bowl to prove he is the best

Jason Bell
Former NFL cornerback on Sky Sports

Lamar Jackson wants this - he needs this. He's the best candidate for MVP this season in my opinion.

He has talked about being nervous in the past but this is the best offence he has ever played in.

But he’s got to get to the dance.

The stats don’t lie. Lamar Jackson is exceptional.

As well as the above, this season he:

• Threw 41 touchdown passes and four interceptions in the regular season
• Became the first player with at least 40 touchdown passes and fewer than five interceptions in a season in NFL history
• Had seven games with a passer rating of at least 135.0 – a single-season record

He is the favourite to be named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the third time in his career

Last season, the Ravens were one of the best defences in the NFL. For the first 70% of this season, they were way below average.

But what a turnaround in the final five weeks. Kyle Hamilton and company are back to their brilliant best – and that’s bad news for a Pittsburgh Steelers offence that has been spluttering over the same time period.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won eight of their past 10 games with the Ravens. Despite that defeat in December, head coach Mike Tomlin knows what it takes to get it done against Baltimore.

Quarterback Russell Wilson has a Super Bowl win on his CV, although that was 10 years ago with the Seattle Seahawks. Linebacker TJ Watt is one of the best in the NFL and jointly holds the record for most sacks in a season (22.5 in 2021).

Both will need big performances if the Steelers can upset the odds tonight.

Steve Smith Sr.
Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver on NFL Network

[This game] is a reset, it's a new season because it's the play-offs. But then you're up against your division rival and you know exactly what they're doing. But there could be surprises.

There's going to be a lot of spiciness, a lot of hitting players after the whistle. I love these kind of games, it's like college football. The passion and excitement of the players extends to the fans.

Steelers players don't like Ravens fans and Ravens players don't like Steelers fans. Home advantage could be important.

Image source, Getty Images

As AFC North rivals, Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers have already played each other twice this season.

In November, the Steelers edged the Ravens 18-16 at Acrisure Stadium, albeit every point came via the boot of kicker Chris Boswell.

The Ravens got sweet revenge only three weeks ago at home with a 34-17 win, including three touchdown passes from Lamar Jackson.

If you believe the bookmakers, the Ravens are in line for a similar display this evening – but as we've already seen tonight, play-offs are anything but predictable.