The Ravens vs. Steelers game tonight could be the most important in the rivalry’s history.

You could argue that Sunday’s game will have even greater stakes than the 2008 AFC Championship Game, when a Super Bowl berth was on the line. This game is not only about determining the AFC North winner and the No. This game will not only determine the winner of the AFC North and No. The future of the two franchises could be decided by this game.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh have now made their own whispers about moving on from John Harbaugh or Mike Tomlin a serious topic of discussion in the national spotlight. Harbaugh, Tomlin and both teams have prioritized consistency and winning every year for many years.

Harbaugh will finish his seventh year with Lamar Jackson at his quarterback position without ever having won a Super Bowl, let alone a Lombardi Trophy. The Ravens’ problems have been attributed to either their defensive shortcomings or their refusal to use their running game. These are two characteristics of Harbaugh’s identity in Baltimore.

Tomlin kept Pittsburgh competitive, even after Ben Roethlisberger retired, but the team lacked enough talent, especially at quarterback, to compete in the playoffs. Tomlin’s teams have never had a losing record. This puts them out of reach to find the franchise quarterback that they need.

Tonight’s game will determine if both teams want to stay in this cycle. The AFC North will be won by one team, and they’ll make the playoffs. The loser may have to make a change while the winner might not even think about it.

The rubber will meet the road at 8:20 pm ET. The rubber meets the road at 8:20 p.m. ET. Both franchises’ futures could be on the line.