In a high-stakes 1 p.m. game, the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) defeated the Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at M&T Stadium, 27-22.
Pittsburgh secured the win in a game that not only featured the two longest-tenured coaches in the league but also had significant implications for who would win the AFC North in the 2025-26 NFL season.
Although even in the first quarter, the significance of this matchup became clear.
Baltimore’s No. 34 Keaton Mitchell returned the kickoff and immediately began using their run game to their advantage.
Through the efforts of Mitchell and No. 22 Derrick Henry, No. 33 Tyler Loop was able to kick a 36-yard field goal to go up by three.
However, Pittsburgh quickly responded, as immediately after No. 14 Kenneth Gainwell returned their kickoff, No. 8 Aaron Rodgers threw a 52-yard pass to No. 4 DK Metcalf.
Pittsburgh’s drive continued until Rodgers rushed the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown, which was followed by No. 9 Chris Boswell securing the extra point.
For the remainder of the quarter, both teams went back and forth with no change to the scoreboard.
This continued into the second quarter until Boswell kicked a 23-yard field goal.
Baltimore’s struggles continued, as following multiple connections to No. 4 Zay Flowers, No. 8 Lamar Jackson threw an interception, ironically caught by No. 42 James Pierre, his cousin.
This eventually led to a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Gainwell, once again followed by an extra point from Boswell.
Even with their setbacks, Baltimore was not yet ready to concede, as Jackson ran for a 6-yard rushing touchdown, shortening Pittsburgh’s lead to eight at the end of the first half.
In the third quarter, using an out-of-bounds kick off penalty and a 41-yard gain by Metcalf to their advantage, Boswell kicked a 28-yard field goal.
While things didn’t look good for Baltimore, they still weren’t going to go down so easily.
Utilizing their running back room once again gave leeway for Jackson to find No. 80 Isaiah Likely for a 4-yard passing touchdown.
This was followed up with an extra point from Loop.
Pittsburgh quickly countered before the quarter’s end, as Rodgers was able to connect down the field, which resulted in a 38-yard passing touchdown to No. 30 Jaylen Warren.
With only the fourth quarter remaining, Baltimore gained some much-needed momentum. Loop would kick two field goals, 28 and 36 yards respectively.
Despite that, a No. 56 Alex Highsmith sack at the end of the second half sealed Pittsburgh’s triumph.
A win that was crucial for Pittsburgh, as the team faced heavy criticism in recent weeks for its recent decision-making.
As well, alongside the acclaimed performance of the defense, notably the duo of Metcalf and Rodgers, who had arguably their best games of the season.
Rodgers threw 23/24 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, while Metcalf had seven receptions for 148 yards.
Performances that could result in an AFC North victory if they continue. A title that Baltimore is also seeking, as they will fall back to second in the division after this game.
Coinciding with their fall in the rankings, Jackson has faced widespread criticism as the multi-time MVP has seemed to struggle since returning from an ankle and hamstring injury earlier this year.
Other Week 14 results include:
- Detroit Lions (8-5) def. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1): 44-30
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3) def. Atlanta Falcons (4-9): 37-9
- Buffalo Bills (9-4) def. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9): 39-34
- Tennessee Titans (2-11) def. Cleveland Browns (3-10): 31-29
- Minnesoda Vikings (5-8) def. Washington Commanders (3-10): 31-0
- Miami Dolphins (6-7) def. New York Jets (3-10): 34-10
- New Orleans Saints (3-10) def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6): 24-20
- Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) def. Indianapolis Colts (8-5): 36-19
- Denver Broncos (11-2) def. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11): 24-17
- Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) def. Chicago Bears (9-4): 28-21
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3) def. Arizona Cardinals (3-10): 45-17
- Houston Texans (8-5) def. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7): 20-10
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) def. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5): 22-19
Nevertheless, both teams have to look towards Week 15, as Pittsburgh meets a hot Miami team live on Monday Night Football back home at Acrissure Stadium.
A must-win game for Pittsburgh if they hope to remain in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Baltimore looks to bounce back against a division rival in Cincinnati at their home turf in PayCor Stadium.
Baltimore looks for revenge following a Thanksgiving defeat to Cincinnati in Week 13.
Whilst wins aren’t guaranteed for both teams, fans can expect both Baltimore and Pittsburgh to give it their all with only three weeks remaining in the regular season.
