The Baltimore Ravens snapped their four-game losing streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a convincing 34-17 victory at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, clinching their spot in the AFC playoffs. The win not only boosted the Ravens' overall record to 10-5, tying them with the Steelers for the top position in the AFC North, but also showcased the team's resilience and adaptability after weeks of frustrating close losses.
Offensively, the Ravens made their presence felt primarily on the ground, where running back Derrick Henry unleashed his power against Pittsburgh's formidable defense. Henry amassed 162 rushing yards on 24 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt, and continued to reinforce his status as one of the game's elite rushers. The Ravens' air attack, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, complemented this ground game perfectly, as Jackson finished the game with 207 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, achieving a passer rating of 115.4. Jackson’s performance also set a new career high for passing touchdowns in a single season, bringing his total to 37, surpassing his previous record of 36 from his MVP-winning campaign.
This victory marks a pivotal moment not only for team morale but for the playoff picture heading toward the end of the season. Both teams will play again on Christmas Day; the Ravens will host the Texans, and the Steelers will head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. According to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, this win against Pittsburgh, one of the team's biggest rivals, was especially gratifying: "Every time we play these guys, it’s about more than just the game. It’s about pride, history, and toughness. Today, we proved we have all three."
Defensively, the Ravens demonstrated their evolution by forcing multiple turnovers, aided by standout performances from safety Ar'Darius Washington and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Washington delivered pivotal hits, including one which caused Russell Wilson to fumble, swinging momentum back to the Ravens. Humphrey contributed significantly by returning one of his interceptions for 37 yards for his first career touchdown. The secondary's improvement had been noted throughout recent games, making their impact all the more evident against the Steelers.
A key element of the Ravens' success was their discipline; they committed only two penalties throughout the game—both of which occurred on offense—and managed to avoid the costly turnovers which had plagued them during previous encounters. Despite facing pressure from the Steelers’ defense, they managed to retain composure, and even when mishaps occurred, such as Jackson’s fumble, the team managed to recover.
Jackson’s precision passing allowed other weapons on the Ravens' offense to shine. Tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews filled the void left by the injured Nelson Agholor, combining for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Zay Flowers had another impressive outing, catching five passes for 100 yards—a performance highlighted by his 49-yard reception which pushed him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
"I’m just trying to make plays whenever my number is called," said Flowers after the game. "This win was huge for us, and I’m proud to contribute to it. This is what we’ve worked for all season." Clearly, enthusiasm is high as the Ravens look toward the playoffs, with expectations of deep runs stemming from their strong offensive performances complemented by their newfound defensive strength.
Overall, Baltimore relied on contributions across the board—from special teams to defense—solidifying their status as serious contenders headed toward the postseason. The game serves as both proof of their evolution this year and as motivation as they aim for the top seed. With two more games left to play, the Ravens are not only focused on winning their division but are eyeing home-field advantage as they gear up for what they hope will be a historic playoff run.
“We’ve hit our stride at the right moment,” added Jackson, showing confidence as the team prepares for the upcoming games. “We know we can compete and win against anyone. That’s what drives us.” With such inspiring performances and unwavering teamwork, the Ravens appear poised to make any playoff matchup thrilling to watch.
