The Steelers Must Feature Roman Wilson Against the Ravens in Week 18

Photo: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

For the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming Sunday, it will certainly be all hands on deck as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens for not only the AFC North crown, but a spot in this year's playoffs. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with the season hanging in the balance, Pittsburgh must find answers on offense quickly.

Last week’s loss underscored just how fragile the Steelers’ offensive rhythm can be. Without their top receiver, D.K. Metcalf—suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season following an incident with a fan in Detroit—the Steelers failed to score a single touchdown. Drives stalled, separation was scarce, and explosive plays were nonexistent.

The absence of Metcalf didn’t just remove a star; it exposed how thin the margin for error has become. That’s why Roman Wilson’s role cannot remain an afterthought.

Despite showing flashes of real playmaking ability throughout the season, Wilson has seen his involvement fluctuate dramatically. His usage hit a low point in the loss to the Cleveland Browns, where he wasn’t targeted a single time. For a team desperate for offensive spark, leaving a dynamic weapon on the sideline—figuratively or literally—is a luxury the Steelers can no longer afford.

Wilson has already proven he can deliver when given the opportunity. His performance in the Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers stands as a reminder of what he brings to the table: speed, separation ability, and a knack for creating chunk plays. He doesn’t need 12 targets to impact a game; he just needs a real role in the game plan.

Against a Ravens defense known for its physicality and ability to disguise pressure, the Steelers must diversify their attack. Relying solely on possession receivers or short‑area concepts will play directly into Baltimore’s strengths. Wilson offers something different—an element of unpredictability. His acceleration threatens leverage. His route running can stress safeties. His yards‑after‑catch ability forces defenses to account for him on every snap.

In a game where the Steelers must manufacture offense without their top wideout, Wilson becomes more than a complementary piece. He becomes a necessity.

If Pittsburgh wants to avoid another touchdown‑less outing and keep pace with a Ravens team that thrives on dictating tempo, Roman Wilson must be featured early and often. Whether it’s schemed touches, deep shots, or intermediate crossers that take advantage of his burst, the Steelers need to make him a central part of their Week 18 strategy.

At this juncture, the stakes are too high to let one of their most promising young playmakers fade into the background again.