The Baltimore Ravens clinched their sixth playoff spot in the past seven seasons with a decisive 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. This significant win not only marked a highlight in their season but also reinforced quarterback Lamar Jackson’s strong MVP candidacy. Jackson had a standout game, completing 15 out of 23 passes for 207 yards, along with three touchdown throws and one interception. Zay Flowers topped the receiving chart for the Ravens, gathering five receptions for 100 yards, while Jackson connected with Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Rashod Bateman for touchdown passes.
The running game shined with Derrick Henry leading the charge, rushing for 162 yards on 24 attempts, averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. On the other side, despite a solid performance from Russell Wilson, who completed 22 of 32 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, two critical turnovers proved costly for Pittsburgh. The duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren managed just under 100 rushing yards, with Calvin Austin III being the leading receiver for the Steelers with four catches for 65 yards.
This victory was particularly sweet for the Ravens, as it broke a troubling trend of having lost eight of their last nine encounters with their divisional rivals, the Steelers. As Baltimore improves to a record of 10-5, Pittsburgh also holds a 10-5 mark, setting the stage for an exciting end to the regular season.
The Ravens’ strong performance serves as a testament to their resilience and determination, setting a hopeful tone as they head into the playoffs. A positive takeaway from this matchup is the potential for a thrilling postseason as both teams have shown they can compete at a high level. The Ravens’ ability to bounce back from previous losses against the Steelers showcases their growth as a team and enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.