Though Ben Roethlisberger has traded his cleats for a microphone, the words of the retired Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback still echo across the NFL landscape. In his recent chat on the “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” podcast, Big Ben didn’t shy away from dishing out advice on playoff matchups. And if you’re a fan gearing up for the postseason, his insights might give you pause—especially if you’re eyeing the Baltimore Ravens.

Roethlisberger was clear as a whistle when it came to who his Steelers should hope to avoid in the first round—and it’s not the Texans. “You want to go to Houston,” he said candidly, pinpointing the Texans’ recent rocky patch.

Injuries and a tumble in form have plagued Houston, making it Roethlisberger’s top choice for a manageable matchup. After all, Baltimore just gave Houston a hefty 31-2 thrashing not too long ago.

But when discussion turned to the Ravens, Ben didn’t sugarcoat his stance. “You do not want to go play in Baltimore right now,” was his blunt message.

While some in Pittsburgh’s corner may feel emboldened by a recent narrow win over the Ravens, even Roethlisberger isn’t sold. “No,” he emphasized.

“Right now, the way Baltimore’s playing, you don’t want that.”

Roethlisberger’s comments shine a spotlight on what many in the league already suspect: the Ravens are not merely on a roll; they’re in beast mode. Baltimore’s defense, with stalwarts like Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton, is suffocating offenses week in and week out. And then there’s Lamar Jackson, whose MVP-level performances are sparking fear into the hearts of defenses across the league.

Having racked up 11 wins, the Ravens are riding a tidal wave of momentum. While the Steelers might revel in that early season win, the Ravens of today are a vastly different beast—charging into the postseason with precision and power. M&T Bank Stadium alongside its fervent fans amplifies the stakes, making Baltimore an inhospitable venue for any visitor.

On the flip side, the Texans appear to be staggering across the finish line into the playoffs. Their offensive engine is sputtering, injuries are hampering their stride, and the timing couldn’t be worse. For a Steelers squad wrestling with its ups and downs, Houston seems a much safer bet than tangling with a Ravens team in peak form.

Roethlisberger’s reflections serve as a testament to the respect Baltimore commands. When a longtime rival and a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback essentially admits that his team should steer clear of you, it speaks volumes about your prowess. Sure, the path through the AFC playoffs is no walk in the park, but with their blend of talent, leadership, and confident swagger, the Ravens are primed for another deep playoff journey.

So while Pittsburgh fans might cross their fingers for a Houston encounter, the Ravens are poised and ready for whoever steps up to the plate. They’re here to remind everyone why they’re the team no one wants to tackle come playoff time.