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Rodgers Delivers: Steelers Stun Ravens to Seize AFC North Crown

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Published: Jan 5, 2026
night in Pittsburgh!
night in Pittsburgh!
  • The Result: Pittsburgh secured a 26-24 victory over Baltimore to clinch the AFC North title.
  • The Hero: Aaron Rodgers threw for 294 yards, including the game-winning 26-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left.
  • The Heartbreak: Ravens rookie Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal wide right as time expired, ending Baltimore’s season.
  • The Milestone: Mike Tomlin matched Chuck Noll for most regular-season wins in franchise history (193).

PITTSBURGH — Acrisure Stadium exploded into a sea of yellow as Tyler Loop’s 44-yard attempt sailed wide right, handing the Pittsburgh Steelers a 26-24 win and the AFC North championship in a regular-season finale for the ages.

Rodgers Weaves Magic in High-Stakes Duel

In a game that felt more like a heavyweight fight than a Week 18 matchup, Aaron Rodgers reminded the league why he’s a legend. After Baltimore took a late lead behind Lamar Jackson’s heroics, Rodgers orchestrated a 75-yard drive that culminated in a laser to Calvin Austin III. Austin burnt his defender on a stutter-and-go, hauled in the 26-yard strike, and sent the Pittsburgh faithful into a frenzy with just 55 seconds remaining.

Jackson did everything possible to ruin the party. The Ravens’ dual-threat star finished with three touchdowns, including a 64-yard bomb to Zay Flowers that briefly put Baltimore ahead 24-20. Despite Derrick Henry’s 126 rushing yards, the Ravens couldn’t close the door. A late interception and nine penalties ultimately haunted the visitors, leaving them on the outside of the playoff picture for the first time since 2021.

Team 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Final Score
Baltimore Ravens 7 3 0 14 24
Pittsburgh Steelers 0 3 10 13 26

What They Said

“We’ve dealt with noise all year. Tonight wasn’t about the critics; it was about the guys in that locker room. Calvin made a hell of a play when we needed it most.” — Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

“This one stings. We had the looks, we had the momentum, but we didn’t finish. That’s on all of us.” — Ravens Coach John Harbaugh

Playoff Implications: Texans Heading to the Steel City

With the AFC North secured, the 10-7 Steelers have locked in the No. 4 seed in the AFC. They are scheduled to host the Houston Texans (12-5) in the Wild Card round next Monday night. The Ravens’ loss officially eliminates them from postseason contention, capping a rollercoaster year that saw them start 1-5 before nearly pulling off a historic comeback.

Upcoming Wild Card Matchups:

  • (5) Houston Texans at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers
  • (7) L.A. Chargers at (2) New England Patriots
  • (6) Buffalo Bills at (3) Jacksonville Jaguars

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Ryan Mitchell

Ryan Mitchell is a US-based sports analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through precision reporting and expert flair. Known for his ability to decode complex game strategies, Ryan provides in-depth articles that go beyond the scoreboard. From identifying breakout stars to providing detailed match previews, his mission is to keep the global sports community ahead of the curve. A passion for data-driven storytelling defines his work at nhanfl.com.

 

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