Steelers vs Ravens: AFC North Title Decided in Icy Pittsburgh Showdown
The final whistle of the 2025 NFL regular season blew with everything on the line in the AFC North. In a classic, bone-chilling rivalry clash, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football with the division crown and a coveted home playoff game hanging in the balance. This wasn’t just another Week 18 fixture; it was a winner-takes-all battle for the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Under frigid Pittsburgh skies, the Ravens and Steelers delivered a contest worthy of the high stakes. With Lamar Jackson back at full fitness and both defences primed for a brutal, physical fight, the stage was set for an instant classic. Here’s how the pivotal showdown unfolded and what it means for the NFL playoff picture.
The Stakes: Win and You’re In
The equation was beautifully simple for both teams. Victory meant the AFC North title and the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs. A loss, or a tie, would see their fate fall into the hands of other results. The intensity of this rivalry, combined with the direct playoff implications, guaranteed a ferocious contest from the first snap.
Playoff Scenarios and Potential Opponents
The winner of this game was set to host a Wild Card weekend game. Their opponent would be determined by a complex set of outcomes from other Week 18 games. According to analysis, the most likely foes were the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, or Jacksonville Jaguars.
| Scenario | Outcome for AFC North Winner |
|---|---|
| Steelers Win or Tie | Steelers win AFC North, secure No. 4 seed. |
| Ravens Win | Ravens win AFC North, secure No. 4 seed. |
| Loss for Either Team | Eliminated from division title; playoff fate depends on other results. |
Game Details and Key Information
The game kicked off at the scheduled time, cutting through the winter air in Pittsburgh. For Australian viewers, this meant a Monday morning start time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 (US) / Monday, January 5, 2026 (AUS) |
| Time (Local/US) | 8:20 p.m. ET |
| Time (AEDT) | Monday, 12:20 p.m. |
| Venue | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Broadcast (US) | NBC, Peacock |
| Weather | Cold with snow, adding a classic element to the rivalry |
Injury Report: Who Was In and Who Was Out
Health was a major talking point heading into the clash. The Ravens received a massive boost, while the Steelers faced significant absences.
Baltimore Ravens Injury Status
The headline news was the full return of superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. After being limited for weeks, he was removed from the injury report and given the green light to start. His dynamic playmaking ability was seen as a key factor against a tough Steelers defence.
| Player | Position | Status for Game |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | QB | Active (No injury designation) |
| Marlon Humphrey | CB | Questionable (Illness) |
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Status
The Steelers were not as fortunate. They were forced to face their arch-rivals without key players on both sides of the ball, including a major weapon on offence.
| Player | Position | Status for Game |
|---|---|---|
| DK Metcalf | WR | Out |
| Broderick Jones | LT | On IR (Injured Reserve) |
| Calvin Anderson | OT | On IR (Injured Reserve) |
Live Game Highlights and Turning Points
The game lived up to its billing as a tense, defensive struggle early, with the cold weather impacting offensive rhythm. However, big plays emerged to shift momentum.
“Henry had three TDs in the first half to put the Ravens up 27-14…” – Source highlights indicated the Ravens’ running game found explosive success early, building a substantial lead.
Despite the Ravens’ strong start, the Steelers, known for their resilience, clawed their way back into the contest. The absence of DK Metcalf forced Pittsburgh to adapt, but their defence worked to keep Lamar Jackson in check as much as possible. The second half became a classic, grind-it-out AFC North battle, with every yard fiercely contested.
Betting Lines and Pre-Game Odds
Oddsmakers slightly favoured the Ravens heading into the hostile environment, largely due to Lamar Jackson’s confirmed availability.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ravens Moneyline | -200 (Favourites) |
| Steelers Moneyline | +165 (Underdogs) |
| Point Spread | Ravens -3.5 |
| Game Total (Over/Under) | 42 points |
What This Result Means for the NFL Playoffs
The outcome of this game had immediate and dramatic consequences for the AFC playoff bracket. The winner avoided a difficult road trip in the Wild Card round and earned the right to host a playoff game, a significant advantage in January. For the loser, the path to the Super Bowl instantly became much more difficult, likely involving three consecutive road games.
This clash was a perfect encapsulation of NFL football in January: high stakes, historic rivalry, brutal weather, and no love lost between the teams. It was a fitting end to the regular season that set the table for an unpredictable and thrilling NFL playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Steelers vs Ravens game on January 4, 2026?
Based on the live updates and highlights from the game, the Baltimore Ravens built a significant first-half lead. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers fought back to make it a close contest. For the definitive final score and winner, please check the official NFL scores page or major sports news outlets.
What were the playoff implications of the Steelers-Ravens game?
The game was a direct playoff eliminator for the AFC North title. The winner claimed the AFC North championship and the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs, earning a home game in the Wild Card round. The loser’s playoff fate depended on other Week 18 results.
Did Lamar Jackson play against the Steelers in Week 18?
Yes, Lamar Jackson was active and started the game. The Ravens’ quarterback had no injury designation after completing a full week of practice, marking his first full week since Week 10.
What was the weather like for the Steelers vs Ravens game?
The game was played in cold, wintry conditions in Pittsburgh, with snow and frigid temperatures reported. This added a classic, hard-nosed element to the already physical rivalry showdown.