Ravens vs. Steelers: A Rivalry Renewed in the Playoffs
The storied rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is set for another chapter as they face off in the AFC playoffs on Saturday night in Baltimore. This marks the fourth postseason clash between head coaches John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin, who are now the NFL’s longest-tenured head coaches. Under their leadership, this fierce rivalry has become a cornerstone of the league, known for its grit, drama, and high stakes.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire
The history between these two teams is steeped in epic battles, none more memorable than the 2009 AFC Championship game. The Steelers secured a hard-fought 23-14 victory, a game infamous for its physicality, including a brutal hit that left Ravens running back Willis McGahee carted off the field. It was the first of three playoff meetings in a seven-season span, with Pittsburgh winning two of those encounters.
Saturday’s game is historic in its own right, as it’s the first time the Ravens will host the Steelers in a playoff game. The previous postseason matchups—spanning the 2001, 2008, 2010, and 2014 seasons—were all held in Pittsburgh, with the home team winning three out of four. This latest clash promises to add to the legacy of one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries.
Contrasting Momentum
The Ravens (12-5) enter the postseason riding a four-game winning streak, while the Steelers (10-7) are limping in after losing their last four games. Baltimore has found its stride offensively, with a rushing attack that set an NFL record at 5.76 yards per carry this season. Star running back Derrick Henry ran for 162 yards in the teams’ December rematch, showcasing the Ravens’ ability to dominate on the ground.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has struggled to find rhythm. The Steelers have yet to score a touchdown on an opening drive this season, a dubious distinction they alone hold among NFL teams. Early deficits have been a recurring issue, as Pittsburgh has fallen behind by double digits in each of its last four games, ultimately failing to recover.
Key Players to Watch
For Baltimore, quarterback Lamar Jackson is the centerpiece of the offense. Jackson has had a historic season, becoming the first QB in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards and rush for 900 in a single campaign. With 41 touchdown passes to just four interceptions, his efficiency has been unparalleled. However, Jackson will be without his top target, Zay Flowers, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
The Steelers’ hopes rest heavily on wide receiver George Pickens. Despite a disappointing performance last week against Cincinnati—dropping three passes and finishing with zero yards—Pickens remains Pittsburgh’s best downfield weapon. In the November win over Baltimore, he recorded eight receptions for 89 yards. To break out of their recent slump, the Steelers must find ways to get Pickens involved early and often.
On the defensive side, turnovers could play a pivotal role. Pittsburgh’s defense will aim to replicate its success from November when Derrick Henry’s early fumble set the tone for a close 18-16 victory. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defense, anchored by its dominant rushing attack and opportunistic secondary, will look to stifle Pittsburgh’s sputtering offense.
What’s at Stake
The Ravens are seeking to build on their recent success and push for a Super Bowl appearance, a goal that has eluded Lamar Jackson despite his MVP accolades. For the Steelers, the stakes are just as high. They are aiming to snap a five-game playoff losing streak, a drought marked by early deficits they’ve been unable to overcome.
With both teams steeped in playoff history and a rivalry that transcends the ordinary, this matchup has all the ingredients for a classic. The Ravens and Steelers don’t just play football—they engage in battles that define seasons and legacies. On Saturday night, the latest chapter of their storied feud will unfold under the lights of M&T Bank Stadium, with everything on the line.
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