Ravens vs. Steelers: Pittsburgh rallies past Baltimore to seize AFC North title on dramatic last-second missed kick
- - Ravens vs. Steelers: Pittsburgh rallies past Baltimore to seize AFC North title on dramatic last-second missed kick
Frank Schwab January 5, 2026 at 10:09 AM
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From the beginning of the Baltimore Ravens’ season, when they had an epic collapse and lost to the Buffalo Bills, right to the end when their season ended with a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, nothing was good enough. Not even when they had a field-goal attempt to win the division.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson hit two huge touchdowns to Zay Flowers in the fourth quarter, each giving Baltimore a late lead, and in previous seasons the Ravens' defense probably would have finished it out and won the AFC North. Not this season. The defense couldn’t stop Aaron Rodgers, who had at least one game-winning drive left in his historic career.
Rodgers hit Calvin Austin III for a 26-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left to give the Steelers the lead. Rodgers might have been less than a minute from the end of his historic career when he hit Austin for a touchdown that decided the division title. Jackson drove the team downfield, hitting a massive fourth down pass to put the Ravens into field-goal range. But rookie Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard attempt wide right.
Coach Tomlin was locked in for the final play. pic.twitter.com/FCa0HZ2LFy
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
The Steelers are the AFC North champions after a dramatic 26-24 win over the Ravens in the final game of the NFL regular season. Rodgers’ historic career will last at least one more playoff game.
"We did all that to come up short, you know?" Jackson said postgame. "Devastating. Furious."
On the official clinching scenarios, the stakes for Sunday night’s regular-season finale were clear: The winner would be the AFC North champion and get the No. 4 seed, playing the Houston Texans on wild-card weekend, and the loser would enter the offseason. The result had the potential to have a wide-ranging impact beyond which team made the playoffs. Either team would have had questions about their future after a disappointing season, including the future of their long-tenured head coach.
It’s the Ravens who will be searching for answers after a season that went horribly wrong. There will be immediate questions about John Harbaugh’s future as the team’s coach. The Ravens wouldn’t have been in a must-win scenario had they gotten more out of their superstar quarterback throughout the season. Everything that cost the Ravens a playoff spot will be examined, and the solutions might not be easy to find.
An emotional Tyler Loop leaves the field, accompanied by John Harbaugh pic.twitter.com/2rR292iyvZ
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) January 5, 2026
Ravens come up with timely stuff of Steelers in first half
The Steelers finished the first half with a call that was instantly questioned.
Pittsburgh trailed 10-3 in the final seconds of the first half when Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton was called for pass interference in the end zone. That put the ball at the 1-yard line with two seconds left and the Steelers, who had no timeouts, had a decision to make. They passed on the field goal to go for it, which wasn’t that controversial. The play call was.
The Steelers motioned to the right and that left two Ravens defenders on the edge with only one blocker for them. Rodgers didn’t change the play, flipped to Gainwell to the left and he was immediately hit by Ravens safety Alohi Gilman for a loss of a yard. Time ran out and the Ravens took a 10-3 lead into halftime.
.@alohigilman and @KVN_03 🔥🔥🔥🔥Tune in on SNF! pic.twitter.com/uRcYOoMBAJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 5, 2026
The Steelers' offense was a problem in the first half, and not just on the final play. Their lack of firepower at receiver without DK Metcalf, who was serving the second and final game of a suspension, was glaring. They got very little going downfield and had just a field goal at the half. It was just like the previous week, when Pittsburgh didn’t score a touchdown in a loss to the Browns.
The Ravens weren’t much better on offense, but a fourth-down touchdown pass for 38 yards from Jackson to Devontez Walker against the Steelers' blitz was the difference in the game. Derrick Henry had 112 rushing yards in the first half, which helped Baltimore keep control of the game.
Despite the Steelers’ miscue at the end of the first half, the Ravens couldn’t fully take advantage.
Fourth quarter turns into a classic shootout
The Ravens' offense started with a touchdown and then went cold. The Steelers scored a TD to start the second half, then Jackson’s pass was tipped at the line and somehow T.J. Watt reacted quickly enough to pick it off. That set up a field goal to give the Steelers the 13-10 lead.
The Ravens have a two-time MVP quarterback in Jackson but he didn’t look like himself for nearly the entire regular season. Hamstring and back injuries caused him to miss time, and it seemed to affect his explosiveness. When the Ravens needed him to have a big game to win the division Sunday night, he was ineffective deep into the second half. Through three quarters, he had 67 yards passing, and 38 of that came on one play. Henry was churning out some yards but the Ravens needed some passing game component and Jackson wasn’t providing it.
But Jackson had a vintage quarter when Baltimore needed it. Jackson had a play that reminded everyone why he is one of the NFL’s special players. He moved up in the pocket on a third down, splitting two defenders. He escaped and rolled to his right, then threw deep to Flowers for a 50-yard score.
The Ravens couldn’t get a stop right after that. Rodgers drove the Steelers downfield, and despite helmet communication issues that caused the Steelers to use their final two timeouts, Kenneth Gainwell’s 2-yard touchdown run with 3:49 left gave Pittsburgh a 20-17 lead.
Jackson answered. Somehow, nobody covered Flowers crossing the field deep, and Jackson found him for a 64-yard score. The Ravens led 24-20 with 2:20 left.
Rodgers found Austin down the left sideline after Chidobe Awuzie fell down. Austin scored a 26-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left but Chris Boswell missed the extra point, and the Steelers had just a 26-24 lead. After a long kickoff return, the Ravens needed about 20 yards to get a field-goal attempt. They had a fourth down, but Jackson lofted a pass that Isaiah Likely came down with inside of field-goal range. But Loop missed wide right.
"I felt like we had it," Jackson said of the Ravens' chances on their final drive.
Rodgers’ career looked like it might end on a missed extra point by his kicker. But the Ravens’ kicker made sure that Rodgers had at least one game left.
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FeaturedMon, January 5, 2026 at 10:03 AM GMT+8Yahoo Sports StaffSNF: Ravens at Steelers for AFC North title
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:37 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungSteelers to the Playoffs
Thanks to the missed field goal, the Steelers are headed to the playoffs. They'll host the Houston Texans next Monday night to wrap up wild-card weekend.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:36 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungFinal: Steelers 26, Ravens 24
Somehow, the Steelers have held on to beat the Ravens and secured the division title. Tyler Loop had a chance to win it, but his field goal was just off the mark. What a finish in Pittsburgh.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:35 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungTyler Loop misses!
The Steelers hold on! Tyler Loop sent a game-winning 44-yard field goal wide right, and the Steelers have now won the AFC North. Wow.
THE RAVENS KICK IS NO GOOD AND THE STEELERS ARE PLAYOFF-BOUND. pic.twitter.com/cIVq2TPKwp
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:33 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungLikely saves the drive!
Isaiah Likely saves the Ravens drive! Lamar Jackson just found him on fourth down, and he made an incredible grab through a pair of defenders. The Ravens are now in field goal range with 12 seconds left.
ISAIAH LIKELY ON 4TH DOWN TO SAVE THE SEASON.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/aIpzCbqdEY
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:28 PM GMT+8Ryan Young
That's a 42 yard return for the Ravens, and they're already in a great position.
HUGE RETURN. THIS GAME.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/WgldqXAPUR
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:27 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungSteelers miss the extra point!
Chris Boswell just missed his first extra point all year, at the worst possible time. His last missed extra point was back in 2023.
So now, a field goal for the Ravens would win the game, and the division. They'll have 55 seconds, and all three timeouts, to pull that off.
Potentially pivotal missed extra point keeps this a two-point game.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/mYc2crKICe
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:26 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungCalvin Austin with the TD!
The Steelers aren't done just yet. Aaron Rogers got them down the field quickly, and then found Calvin Austin all alone on the left side. That 26-yard touchdown has the Steelers up in front again.
TOUCHDOWN @CalvinAustinIII!📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/dPG31vf4d8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:18 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungZay Flowers again!
Lamar Jackson just found Zay Flowers completely wide open again for another deep touchdown! This time it was from 64 yards out! There was nobody around him at all.
LAMAR TO ZAY AGAIN. 63-YARD TD.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ToyvhDAeZc
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
The Ravens are up 24-20 now with 2:20 left. The Steelers are out of timeouts, too.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:13 PM GMT+8Ryan YoungTouchdown, Steelers!
Kenneth Gainwell just punched in a 2-yard touchdown after the Freiermuth catch, and the Steelers are back in front. They lead 20-17 now with 3:49 left.
Gainwell TOUCHDOWN. Steelers back on top!BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/D1QzUdXjG3
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:09 PM GMT+8Ryan Young
Aaron Rodgers found Pat Freiermuth for a massive 31-yard gain up the middle, and the Steelers are suddenly in scoring position.
HUGE 30-yard throw from Rodgers to Freiermuth on 3rd and 8BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/Ugqw4lOCuM
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:57 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungLamar escapes the sack, then throws a TD!
My god, Lamar Jackson. He just somehow escaped a pair of Steelers defenders to avoid the sack, and then stepped up and found a sprinting Zay Flowers for the touchdown! Jackson even pointed to Flowers to direct him where to go.
What a ridiculous play to get the Ravens back on top.
LAMAR. ZAY. WOW.RAVENS TAKE THE LEAD.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/RLFrGLddRj
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:49 AM GMT+8Ryan Young
Aaron Rodgers was just swallowed up there on third down for a huge sack, and the Ravens have forced a punt. We'll see what Lamar Jackson and the Ravens can put together now.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:43 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungEnd of 3: Steelers 13, Ravens 10
The Steelers have been in full control of this one in the second half, and will have a first down deep in their own territory after the break. The Ravens will need a quick stop, and then have to find a way to get their offense going after it's completely stalled out, in order to get back in this thing.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:37 AM GMT+8Ryan Young
The Steelers defense is showing out right now. They just forced yet another punt, and have now held the Ravens to just eight offensive plays this quarter.
The Steelers will take over at their own 11 with 1:04 left in the third.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:28 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungSteelers settle for a FG
That's a win for the Ravens defense there. Aaron Rodgers couldn't connect with Pat Freiermuth there in the end zone on third down, so Boswell instead hit a 25-yarder. The Steelers are now in the lead for the first time tonight.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:23 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungTJ Watt with the deflected INT!
Now that's how you make a return to the field. T.J. Watt, in his first game back from his lung injury, just completed a deflection interception to set the Steelers up in an incredible position to score here.
What a turn of events for the Steelers here in the third quarter.
TJ WATT PICKS OFF LAMAR ON THE DEFLECTED PASS.BALvsPIT on NBCStream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ViXTN12C7G
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:16 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungSteelers with back-to-back shoves for the TD!
The Steelers got the first down that time with the tush push, and then they opted to run it back for the touchdown. Just like that, we're all tied up.
TOUCHDOWN @ConnorHeyward1 🙌📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/HdmVOUxKeq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:10 AM GMT+8Ryan Young
Kyle Hamilton is down on the field now after an accidental helmet-to-helmet hit with Alohi Gilman there. Gilman ended up walking off, but Hamilton remained down for quite some time.
He eventually walked off on his own.
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 10:59 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungAFC North winner gets MNF
The NFL just released the schedule for the wild-card round, and the winner of this game will get to host the Houston Texans on "Monday Night Football" next weekend.
The Wild Card Weekend schedule is HERE. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/r4pm7OgEOh
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026
- Mon, January 5, 2026 at 10:51 AM GMT+8Ryan YoungHalftime: Ravens 10, Steelers 3
That huge stop right before the break sent the Ravens into halftime with a seven-point lead. The Steelers will get the ball out of the break.
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Source: “AOL Sports”
