Steelers seize AFC North, fend off Ravens in classic showdown

4 days ago 2

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Black & Gold Nation) — A missed 44 yard field goal from Tyler Loop as time expired as given the Steelers the AFC North title after a wild 26-24 win over the Ravens to advance to the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

After a quiet first three quarters that saw the Steelers lead 13-10 heading to the fourth quarter, Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson traded shots all throughout the second half of the game.

We saw vintage Lamar Jackson midway through the fourth quarter as he used some wizardry to escape a sack from Alex Highsmith and then chucked a bomb down field to Zay Flowers for a 50 yard touchdown pass to give the Ravens a 17-10 lead.

Rodgers responded by leading the Steelers on an eight play 60 yard drive that ended with a two yard touchdown run from Kenneth Gainwell, who earlier in the week was named the team MVP this season.

It didn’t take Jackson long to answer. Facing 3rd & 1 at the 36 yard line Jackson stood in the pocket and once again found Zay Flowers wide open down field. 64 yards later he was in the endzone putting the Ravens up 24-20 with 2:20 left in the game.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, greets Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Aaron Rodgers showed why he was a four time MVP and with the season on the line he found Calvin Austin open down the sideline for a 26 yard go ahead touchdown with 55 seconds remaining, but Chris Boswell missed the PAT and the Steelers lead was only two points at 26-24.

Jackson got the Ravens to midfield, but facing 4th & 7. With the Ravens needing to convert or have their season end Jackson found Isaiah Likely for an improbable 26 yard gain to get into field goal range. That set up Tyler Loop for a 44 yard field goal to win the game and the division, but the kick missed wide right.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) reacts after a missed field goal attempt in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Aaron Rodgers threw for a season high 294 yards with one touchdown. Kenneth Gainwell led the Steelers in receiving with eight catches for 64 yards. On the defensive side of the ball T.J. Watt returned after missing three games with a punctured lung and recorded an interception that led to a Steelers field goal.

In the Wild Card round of the playoffs the Steelers will host the Texans on Monday night at 8:15 p.m.

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