The AFC Wild Card playoff meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens delivered another intense chapter in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens kick-off took place at 5:00 AM on 12 January 2025 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, in front of a crowd of 70,546.
By the final whistle, the Ravens had powered to a 28–14 victory built on dominant rushing, efficient quarterback play, and control of possession.
Baltimore set the tone early and never allowed Pittsburgh to dictate the pace of the game.
First-Half Control Sets the Tone
The Ravens opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when Lamar Jackson found Rashod Bateman on a 15-yard touchdown pass after a 13-play, 95-yard drive.
That possession lasted more than seven minutes and immediately established Baltimore’s ability to sustain drives.
In the second quarter, Derrick Henry began to impose himself physically on the Steelers’ defense.
Henry powered in from eight yards out to extend the lead before Jackson connected with Justice Hill for a late touchdown just before halftime.
At the break, Baltimore held a commanding 21–0 advantage.
The Steelers’ offense struggled to gain rhythm in the opening two quarters, producing multiple short drives that ended in punts.
Pittsburgh managed just 11 first downs across the entire game, and most of those came after halftime adjustments.
Steelers Respond but Ravens Answer
Russell Wilson sparked life into the Steelers early in the third quarter with a 30-yard touchdown strike to Van Jefferson.
That nine-play, 98-yard drive showcased Pittsburgh’s ability to stretch the field vertically.
However, Baltimore’s response was immediate and decisive.
On the Ravens’ next possession, Henry broke through for a 44-yard touchdown run that restored the three-score cushion.
Wilson later connected with George Pickens on a 36-yard score to bring Pittsburgh within 28–14.
Despite the momentum shift, the Steelers could not close the gap further as Baltimore’s defense tightened in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Comparison
| Quarterback | Passing Yards | Completions/Attempts | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Wilson (PIT) | 270 | 20/29 | 2 |
| Lamar Jackson (BAL) | 175 | 16/21 | 2 |
Wilson threw for more yards, but Jackson’s efficiency and game management were crucial in maintaining control.
Jackson avoided turnovers and consistently extended drives with smart decisions.
Rushing Dominance
| Rusher | Carries | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Najee Harris (PIT) | 6 | 17 | 0 |
| Derrick Henry (BAL) | 26 | 186 | 2 |
Henry’s performance was the defining factor of the night.
His 186 rushing yards wore down the Steelers’ front seven and allowed Baltimore to dictate tempo.
Receiving Leaders
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Pickens (PIT) | 5 | 87 | 1 |
| Isaiah Likely (BAL) | 3 | 53 | 0 |
Pickens provided Pittsburgh’s biggest explosive play, while Likely contributed key chain-moving receptions.
Defensive Impact
| Defender | Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Highsmith | PIT | 1 Sack |
| Nnamdi Madubuike | BAL | 2 Sacks |
| Elandon Roberts | PIT | 14 Tackles (7 solo) |
| Ar’Darius Washington | BAL | 7 Tackles (5 solo) |
Baltimore’s defensive front consistently disrupted the Steelers’ protection schemes.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Category | Steelers | Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 280 | 464 |
| First Downs | 11 | 29 |
| Third Down | 5/11 | 10/15 |
| Red Zone | 0/0 | 3/4 |
| Time of Possession | 20:27 | 39:33 |
| Penalties | 7-41 | 3-14 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
The Ravens’ control of possession for nearly 40 minutes highlighted their command of the contest.
Baltimore’s efficiency on third down repeatedly extended drives and kept Pittsburgh’s defense on the field.
A Statement Playoff Win
This victory reinforced Baltimore’s identity as a physical, disciplined playoff team.
Henry’s bruising style combined with Jackson’s composure proved too much for Pittsburgh to overcome.
For the Steelers, flashes of offensive potential were not enough to counter sustained defensive pressure and limited possession time.
In a rivalry known for narrow margins, this Wild Card meeting was decided by Baltimore’s ability to execute consistently across all phases of the game.