Steelers Stun Ravens in Fourth-Quarter Thriller, Clinch AFC North as Loop Misses Game-Winner

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers snatched the AFC North title from the Baltimore Ravens in a nail-biting encounter that went down to the very last seconds. A missed walk-off field goal by Ravens kicker Tyler Loop sealed Baltimore's fate, sending Pittsburgh to the playoffs in a game that delivered an astonishing 27 points in a thrilling fourth quarter.

The highly anticipated divisional clash, held at Acrisure Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in heartbreak for the Ravens and jubilation for the Steelers. Both teams battled fiercely, showcasing incredible resilience and clutch performances, but ultimately, only one could emerge victorious with their playoff hopes intact.

The scoring opened with an unexpected connection as Lamar Jackson, despite a season where he hadn't quite been himself, found Devontez Walker for a 38-yard touchdown, giving the Ravens an early lead. After an exchange of punts and a Steelers' turnover on downs, Baltimore capitalized with a field goal, extending their advantage to 10-0 early in the second quarter.

Pittsburgh managed to get on the scoreboard with a field goal of their own. As the first half wound down, the Steelers found themselves at the 2-yard line with just two seconds remaining, thanks to a defensive penalty. Opting for a touchdown instead of a field goal, their gamble backfired when Kenneth Gainwell was stuffed at the goal line as the clock expired, leaving the score 10-3 at halftime.

The Steelers, however, refused to be deterred. Receiving the ball to start the second half, they wasted no time marching down the field to find the end zone, tying the game at 10-10. The momentum swung further in their favor when linebacker T.J. Watt, making his return from a collapsed lung, intercepted a batted ball at the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh then added another field goal, taking their first lead of the game.

Baltimore Ravens place kicker Tyler Loop (33) reacts after missing the game-winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)

The fourth quarter was a spectacle of offensive fireworks and defensive stands, with both teams trading blows. Lamar Jackson, who had struggled to find his MVP form throughout the season, rose to the occasion, delivering what many are calling his best play of the campaign. Trailing by three points midway through the quarter, Jackson evaded a potential sack on third-and-4 from midfield and launched a pass to Zay Flowers, who caught it in stride for a long touchdown, putting the Ravens up 17-13.

However, the Steelers, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, remained unfazed. They meticulously drove down the field on an eight-play drive, capped by a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 20-17 with just 3:49 left on the clock. But Jackson wasn't done. He connected with Flowers again, this time for a spectacular 64-yard play, giving Baltimore a 24-20 advantage with a mere 2:20 remaining.

The Steelers' response was swift and decisive. They quickly advanced past midfield, and on a crucial third-and-10, Rodgers found Calvin Austin wide open for a touchdown with only 55 seconds left. A missed extra point by Chris Boswell, however, left the Steelers with a precarious two-point lead, 26-24.

Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

With three timeouts and starting from their own 47-yard line after the kickoff, the Ravens had a golden opportunity to win. Jackson completed his first pass, but an illegal formation penalty and two incompletions quickly put them in a dire fourth-and-7 situation. In a moment of sheer desperation, Jackson threw up a prayer, and Isaiah Likely responded with an unbelievable high-point catch, keeping the drive alive. With two seconds left, Jackson took a knee to perfectly position Tyler Loop for a potential game-winning field goal from the middle of the hashes. But the kick sailed wide right, and the Steelers erupted in celebration, their season saved by the slimmest of margins.

Connor Heyward (83) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown with Pat Freiermuth (88) during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Against all odds, with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers at the helm and head coach Mike Tomlin defying calls for his departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished their season with a resilient 10-7 record. Their dramatic victory over the Ravens secured their spot in the wild-card round, where they are set to host the Houston Texans on Monday night. For the Ravens, the devastating loss marks an abrupt and painful end to their season, leaving them to ponder what might have been after coming so close to a playoff berth.