Honestly, if you missed the latest chapter of this rivalry, you missed one of the most stressful, confusing, and typical Ravens-Steelers games in NFL history. It’s 2026, and somehow the script stays the same while getting weirder. The 26-24 win for Pittsburgh on January 4 was more than just a regular-season finale; it was a total meltdown for Baltimore and a massive "how did they do that?" moment for the Steelers.
Steelers win. Ravens out. That’s the short version.
The game felt like a fever dream. Imagine the Ravens, with their season and the AFC North title on the line, letting Aaron Rodgers—yes, the 42-year-old version—march down the field to steal their lunch money. It wasn't just a loss. It was a "Justin Tucker isn't here to save you" kind of tragedy that left Acrisure Stadium shaking.
The Night the Kicker Died (Metaphorically)
Everyone is talking about the kick. Or the miss, really.
For over a decade, the Ravens have had the ultimate "get out of jail free" card in Justin Tucker. But things change. With Tyler Loop—the rookie who took over the kicking duties after Tucker’s legendary leg finally showed signs of human age—stepping up for a 44-yarder to save the season, the vibe was... tense.
Loop pushed it wide right.
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The ball didn't even look like it wanted to go in. As the clock hit zero, the Steelers celebrated their first AFC North title since 2020, and the Ravens were left wondering how a team with Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers could lose a game where they scored three touchdowns of 38+ yards.
Lamar Jackson vs. The Pittsburgh Curse
Basically, the Steelers have Lamar’s number. It's weird because he's a two-time MVP and arguably the most dangerous player in the league, but when he sees a black and gold jersey, things get glitchy.
Lamar went 16-of-21 for 175 yards and a few scores in the wild-card game last year, which felt like he’d finally broken the curse. But in this last matchup? It was a rollercoaster. He threw two absolute rockets to Zay Flowers—one for 50 yards and another for 64 yards in the fourth quarter. It looked like the Ravens had it in the bag.
But then there were the turnovers. And the sacks.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by the usual suspects like T.J. Watt and a rejuvenated secondary, kept the pressure high enough that Lamar never looked truly comfortable. He threw a touchdown to Devontez Walker early, but the offense stalled for huge chunks of the middle quarters.
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Key Game Stats You Might Have Missed
- The Flowers Connection: Zay Flowers finished with 138 yards on just four catches. Efficiency is cool, but it wasn't enough.
- The Rodgers Factor: Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin III for a 26-yard score with 55 seconds left. It was a vintage Rodgers throw that felt like it belonged in 2011.
- The "Boswell" Moment: Chris Boswell actually missed an extra point late. It should have cost them. Instead, it just made the Ravens' final miss more dramatic.
Why This Game Matters More Than Usual
People always say "throw out the record books" when these two play, but this felt different. The Ravens didn't just lose a game; they missed the playoffs entirely for the first time since 2021. That’s a massive blow for a team that many picked to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
On the other side, Mike Tomlin continues to be the most annoying coach in the league if you aren't a Steelers fan. How does he keep winning these? The Steelers were down 24-20 with just over two minutes left. They had no business winning after giving up those deep bombs to Flowers.
Yet, Kenneth Gainwell kept the chains moving on the ground, and Rodgers stayed cool. It’s a testament to the "Steelers Way" or whatever magic dust they sprinkle in the locker room before Baltimore games.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
There's this idea that these games are always 13-10 defensive slogs. And yeah, the November 2024 game was an 18-16 kick-fest where Chris Boswell hit six field goals. But this last game? It was high-scoring and explosive.
It showed that the Ravens' secondary, while improved, is still prone to the "big play" lapse at the worst possible time. Letting Calvin Austin III get behind them with the game on the line is the kind of mistake that haunts a defensive coordinator all offseason.
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Actionable Takeaways for the Offseason
If you’re a Ravens fan, you’re looking at the kicking situation first. Relying on a rookie in the biggest moment of the year is a gamble that didn't pay off. They need to figure out if Tyler Loop is the guy or if they need to scour the market.
For the Steelers, the focus is on the age of their QB. Rodgers got them the North, but can he survive three rounds of playoffs?
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the All-22 Tape: Look at the Ravens' final defensive drive. The breakdown in coverage on the Austin TD is a masterclass in what not to do.
- Check the Injury Report: Roquan Smith’s health is a major concern moving forward; his presence (or lack thereof) changed the middle of the field in the fourth quarter.
- Monitor the Kicker Market: Keep an eye on which veteran kickers become available in free agency, as Baltimore might not want to go into 2026 with a "wide right" hangover.
The rivalry is alive and well, but for now, the North belongs to Pittsburgh.