Steelers Edge Ravens WON 26–24 in Thrilling AFC North Title Decider…Read More….
PITTSBURGH — January 4, 2026 — In a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the AFC North crown with a stunning 26–24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium. The win secured Pittsburgh’s playoff spot while abruptly ending Baltimore’s postseason hopes, delivering a gut-wrenching finale that will linger long in the rivalry’s storied history.
With both teams entering Week 18 tied atop the division at 10–6, the stakes could not have been higher. Pittsburgh struck first behind veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who continued to defy age in his first season with the Steelers. Rodgers connected with George Pickens on a 42-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter to give the home side an early advantage.
Baltimore responded quickly. Lamar Jackson led a composed drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry, leveling the score and setting the tone for a night of relentless back-and-forth football.
The second quarter unfolded as a tactical duel. Chris Boswell and Ravens kicker Tyler Loop traded long field goals before Baltimore seized momentum late in the half. Jackson found Zay Flowers for a 28-yard touchdown just before intermission, giving the Ravens a 14–10 halftime lead. Defensively, both teams made their presence felt, with Pittsburgh’s pass rush sacking Jackson three times, while Baltimore’s secondary limited Rodgers early.
The pace quickened dramatically after halftime. Rodgers reignited the Steelers with another touchdown strike to Pickens early in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead. Baltimore answered with a field goal, but Boswell responded once more to put Pittsburgh ahead 20–17 entering the final period.
What followed was a fourth quarter worthy of the rivalry’s reputation. Jackson engineered a crisp 75-yard drive, finishing it with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews to put Baltimore back on top, 24–20, with under nine minutes remaining.
Unfazed, Rodgers delivered a vintage response. Converting crucial third downs and controlling the tempo, he guided Pittsburgh into scoring position. Boswell trimmed the deficit with a 38-yard field goal before the Steelers’ defense forced a quick Ravens punt. Rodgers then calmly led a final march, setting up Boswell for a pressure-packed 52-yard kick. The veteran kicker delivered, giving Pittsburgh a 26–24 lead with just over a minute remaining.
The night’s final twist came moments later. Jackson scrambled and completed key passes to push Baltimore into field-goal range as time expired. Loop, dependable throughout the season, lined up from 44 yards — but his attempt sailed wide right. Acrisure Stadium erupted as Steelers players celebrated a division title, while stunned Ravens stood frozen on the sideline.
Rodgers finished with 285 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning game MVP honors. Jackson threw for 312 yards and two scores in defeat. The Steelers close the regular season at 11–6 and enter the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 3 seed, hosting a Wild Card matchup next weekend. Baltimore, now 10–7, exits the postseason picture amid renewed questions about the franchise’s next steps.
The game served as a powerful reminder of the AFC North’s unforgiving nature — and of Pittsburgh’s enduring resilience. As Rodgers said post game, “We’re not done yet.” For the Steelers, the journey continues. For the Ravens, the pain of one missed kick will echo throughout the offseason.
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