Ravens Defeat Steelers 28-14 in AFC Wild Card Showdown

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens advanced in the AFC Wild Card playoffs with a commanding 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium. The win, fueled by a dominant defensive performance, keeps the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations alive as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes, while running back Derrick Henry added two rushing touchdowns. The Ravens’ defense, spearheaded by Nigerian-American duo Nnamdi Madubuike and Odafe Oweh, stifled the Steelers’ offense, sacking quarterback Russell Wilson three times and disrupting key drives.

Madubuike, who recorded two sacks, made a critical impact in the third quarter. His second sack came on third down, halting a Steelers drive that had gained momentum. Oweh followed with a pivotal sack in the fourth quarter, forcing the Steelers into a 3rd & 22 situation that ultimately ended their comeback hopes.

“Our defense stepped up when it mattered most,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “Nnamdi and Odafe were relentless tonight. They set the tone for us.”

The Steelers, led by Wilson, struggled to find consistency. Despite two touchdown passes to Van Jefferson and George Pickens, Pittsburgh’s offense was unable to overcome Baltimore’s defensive pressure. Wilson finished with 280 passing yards but was sacked three times and intercepted once.

For the Ravens, the victory was a statement of intent. Jackson, who completed 18 of 24 passes for 210 yards, emphasized the importance of a balanced team effort. “It’s not just about me,” Jackson said. “Our defense, our running game, everyone contributed. We’re building something special here.”

The Ravens now turn their attention to the Buffalo Bills, who boast their own star quarterback in Josh Allen. The Divisional Round matchup promises to be a high-stakes battle between two of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.

Meanwhile, the Steelers’ season ends in disappointment. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the challenges his team faced. “We didn’t execute when we needed to,” Tomlin said. “Credit to Baltimore—they made the plays, and we didn’t.”

As the Ravens continue their playoff journey, the contributions of players like Madubuike and Oweh will be crucial. With their defense firing on all cylinders and Jackson leading the offense, Baltimore remains a formidable contender in the race for the Lombardi Trophy.