Steelers Survive Ravens’: In a season-defining “win-and-in” showdown that lived up to the storied intensity of the NFL’s most physical rivalry, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26–24 on Sunday Night Football.
With this victory, the Steelers (10–7) clinched the AFC North title and the No. 4 seed, while the Ravens (8–9) were officially eliminated from postseason contention.
Table of Contents
The Drama Steelers Survive Ravens’: A Fourth-Quarter Firefight
The game remained a defensive struggle for three quarters, but the final 15 minutes at Acrisure Stadium turned into an instant classic. Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers traded leads four times in the fourth quarter alone.
- The Jackson-Flowers Connection: Lamar Jackson found Zay Flowers for two long touchdowns in the final frame, briefly silencing the Pittsburgh crowd and putting Baltimore in a position to steal the division.
- Rodgers’ Final Surge: Trailing late, Aaron Rodgers orchestrated a clinical drive, culminating in a 26-yard touchdown strike to Calvin Austin III.
- The Special Teams Twist: In a rare lapse, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell had his extra point blocked after the Austin touchdown, leaving the lead at just two points. This gave Baltimore the chance to win with a field goal.
The Finale: The Kick That Missed
With no timeouts remaining, Lamar Jackson marched the Ravens into field goal range, aided by a 26-yard conversion to tight end Isaiah Likely.7 With two seconds on the clock, rookie kicker Tyler Loop stepped up for a 44-yard game-winner.
The attempt sailed wide right, sparking a frenzy in Pittsburgh and cementing the Steelers’ first division title since 2020.
Final AFC North Standings & Seeding
The Steelers’ victory finalized the AFC playoff bracket. Despite a mid-season slump and a shocking Week 17 loss to the Browns, Pittsburgh emerged as the kings of the North.
| Team | Record | Status |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10–7 | AFC North Champions (No. 4 Seed) |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8–9 | Eliminated |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6–11 | Eliminated |
| Cleveland Browns | 5–12 | Eliminated |
Aaron Rodgers leads GW drive, helps Steelers claim AFC North | Ravens MISS late go-ahead FG!
What’s Next: Super Wild Card Weekend
The Steelers have no time to celebrate for long. By securing the No. 4 seed, they are set to host a red-hot opponent in the opening round.
- Matchup: (5) Houston Texans vs. (4) Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
The Texans enter the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak, setting up a clash between Pittsburgh’s veteran-led defense and Houston’s explosive offense.
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