Steelers Clinch AFC North Title with Thrilling Win Over Ravens

In a dramatic season finale, the Steelers secured the final NFL playoff spot by defeating the Ravens 26-24, as Baltimore's Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer. This victory gave Pittsburgh the AFC North title and ended the Ravens' season. The Steelers, now 10-7, will host the Houston Texans, who are 12-5, in the first round of the playoffs on January 13. The game was marked by an electric fourth quarter, featuring four lead changes, including three within the last four minutes. Aaron Rodgers threw a decisive touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds remaining, and despite Chris Boswell missing the subsequent extra point, the Steelers celebrated their first division title in five years when Loop's kick sailed wide right. Rodgers achieved a season-high 294 passing yards, while Lamar Jackson, dealing with a back contusion, threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Zay Flowers in the fourth quarter. Each of Flowers' touchdowns put the Ravens in the lead, only for the Steelers to respond. Pittsburgh's running backs, Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, combined for 173 total yards. The Steelers overcame an early 10-point deficit and a potentially repeat performance of their playoff loss to the Ravens last season. Their defense, which had struggled against Derrick Henry since he joined the Ravens, finally responded, and the offense found its rhythm despite missing suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf. Henry ran for 126 yards, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to reach 13,000 career rushing yards, but was largely contained in the second half. The victory marked the 193rd regular-season win for Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, tying him with Chuck Noll for the franchise record and placing him ninth on the NFL's all-time list. The win sets the stage for the Steelers to host the Texans, aiming to end their playoff victory drought dating back to the 2016 AFC championship game.