Steelers Fall to Ravens in AFC Wild Card Showdown

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 in a hard-fought AFC Wild Card game at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, capitalized on key turnovers and a dominant defensive performance to secure their spot in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Jackson threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 78 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability. The Ravens’ defense forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by safety Kyle Hamilton in the third quarter that halted a potential Steelers scoring drive. “Our defense stepped up big tonight,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “They made plays when it mattered most.”

The Steelers, who entered the game as underdogs, struggled to find consistency on offense. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed 18 of 30 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown but was sacked four times. Running back Najee Harris managed just 56 rushing yards against the Ravens’ stout defensive front. “We didn’t execute well enough,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “Credit to Baltimore—they outplayed us.”

The Ravens took an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter, with Jackson connecting with tight end Mark Andrews for a 12-yard touchdown. The Steelers responded with a touchdown pass from Wilson to wide receiver George Pickens, but the Ravens’ defense held firm in the second half, limiting Pittsburgh to just one more score.

With the win, the Ravens advance to face the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. The Steelers, meanwhile, end their season with a 10-8 record, marking their first playoff appearance since 2021. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger next year,” said Wilson.