It’s a procrastinator’s time of year. As we tick down into the final weeks of 2024, it’s all about last-minute holiday shopping, making last-minute plans and trying to make good on those resolutions before the year calendar flips.
In the NFL, it’s about making those last-minute playoff pushes. The Ravens were feeling the pressure Saturday in Baltimore as they try to track down the AFC North crown. The Steelers came ready to celebrate, but the champagne remains on ice in Pittsburgh until further notice.
The Ravens were 34-17 winners Week 16, finally beating their hated rivals for the first time in two years. As a result, they moved into a tie atop the division with just two weeks to go.
While the margin of victory indicates a lopsided affair, this was close throughout before a chaotic sequence changed the game early in the fourth quarter. There were multiple turnovers, a head-scratching decision from Pittsburgh to go for it on fourth down, and much more packed into just a few minutes.
The Ravens will want to clean up their game going forward, but they’ll feel good after getting this win. With a quick turnaround looming, Baltimore is traveling to Houston for a Christmas showdown with the Texans, so there’s no time to celebrate.
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Derrick Henry was a machine on the ground, once again, finishing with 162 yards on 24 carries. As for Lamar Jackson, he shook off some of his struggles against Pittsburgh, turning in a solid performance and avoiding big mistakes, aside from the unfortunate interception.
Tiebreakers will come into focus now, but there is plenty of work to be done before these teams head to the postseason. At the very least, they’ll each have a seat at the table.
Here’s a look at how the action unfolded on Saturday.
NFL division tiebreakers
There are 12 tiebreakers to determine a division winner if two teams are tied in the NFL. Here they are, according to NFL.com:
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory in all games.
Strength of schedule in all games
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss
While the Steelers and Ravens split their two meetings, they also own the same record within the division. That moves us to the third tiebreaker, common opponents, which is where the Steelers have the edge right now. Pittsburgh also owns the conference record tiebreaker. The race is not over with two games to go, but it is still an uphill battle from here for the Ravens.
Updated AFC North standings
Steelers (10-5)
Ravens (10-5)
Bengals (6-8)
Browns (3-11)
Ravens clinch a playoff spot with Week 16 win
And, just like that, this one is over. The Ravens are headed back to the playoffs thanks to their win over the Steelers. A 17-point win for the hosts doesn’t indicate just how close it was, but Pittsburgh now finds itself in a battle for the AFC North crown with just two weeks to go. Both teams will be back in action on Christmas.
Ravens-Steelers score: Justin Tucker nails another field goal
At this point in the game, the clock is all that matters. Baltimore was able to eat 6:09 off the clock and cap off the long drive with a 23-yard field goal from Tucker to extend the lead to 17. Ravens 34, Steelers 17
Zay Flowers stats: Ravens WR hits the 100-yard mark with big play
Flowers has been fairly quiet today, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been productive. The receiver just had a 49-yard catch-and-run, giving him 100 yards on the evening. He’s brought in five catches on eight targets, but this one gives Baltimore the chance to take some more time off the clock.
Ravens-Steelers score: Marlon Humphrey pick-six extends Ravens lead
‘Anything you can do, I can do better.’ While we don’t know if Russell Wilson actually said that, the throw to Marlon Humphrey told the whole story there. After being gifted an interception from Jackson, Wilson, like many others on Dec. 26, opted to return the favor.’ Humphrey scampers 37 yards for the touchdown, giving Baltimore a 14-point lead. Ravens 31, Steelers 17
Lamar Jackson throws an interception
Jackson’s history against the Steelers is well-documented by now and none of it is particularly good. He isn’t doing anything to silence those critics with this interception, as he floats one into the arms of Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers take over with a chance to right their previous wrong.
Steelers turn it over on downs
The Steelers get the fourth quarter started by going for it on fourth down near midfield, for some reason. Wilson chucks up a 50-50 ball for Calvin Austin III, which falls incomplete. Head-scratching move there in a close game.
Ravens-Steelers score: Mark Andrews TD catch gets Baltimore back in front
Well, that didn’t take long. The Steelers’ kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Ravens great starting field position on their drive. Six plays and 60 yards later, Mark Andrews is celebrating in the end zone as Baltimore reclaims the lead. Ravens 24, Steelers 17
Ravens-Steelers score: Cordarrelle Patterson TD catch ties it up again
No, your eyes were not failing you. That was actually Patterson catching that touchdown. The wide receiver turned running back now looks like he’s built like a tight end, but it doesn’t matter. Touchdowns count the same for all the positions. Wilson lofted one up for Patterson out of the backfield, who comes down with it in the end zone with the game-tying touchdown. Again, we’re right back to where we started. New game in Baltimore! Ravens 17, Steelers 17
Highlight: Calvin Austin III catch along the sideline
After an uneventful start to the half, Russell Wilson chucks one up for Austin down the sideline, who somehow comes down in bounds for the 44-yard gain. You’ll want to get a look at this one.
Steelers open the second half with a three-and-out
Pittsburgh’s momentum didn’t carry over to start the second half, as they pick up just six yards before punting it away. Now the Ravens have the chance to extend their lead, once again.
Longest NFL field goal
As we get set to start the second half, the field goal fest at the end of the half brings back memories. Tucker’s 2024 struggles have been well-documented, but let’s not forget this is the same guy who holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. He famously converted from 66 yards out in 2021 to defeat the Lions in Detroit. There have been attempts to break the record, notoriously by the Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey’s 70-yard attempt in Week 15, but they fell short or drifted wide.
Ravens-Steelers score: Chris Boswell field goal ends half
Boswell saw Tucker’s 51-yard try and decided to match it, converting the attempt to bring the gap back to seven. It’s halftime in Baltimore and the Steelers get the ball to start the second half. Another close game between these two bitter rivals means we should be in for treat when the second half kicks off. Ravens 17, Steelers 10
Ravens-Steelers score: Justin Tucker nails 51-yard FG to stretch Baltimore’s lead
The Baltimore faithful are in a celebratory mood after Tucker knocks through a field goal from 51 yards out. The kicker has experienced plenty of struggles in 2024, but they weren’t visible on this play as the Ravens lead grows to 10 right before the halftime break. Pittsburgh will have a chance to respond with a two-minute drive of their own. Ravens 17, Steelers 7
Two-minute warning: Ravens driving just before halftime
Baltimore is trying to build on their seven-point lead just before halftime. They’re set up at around the Pittsburgh 34, which should be in Justin Tucker’s field goal range.
Ravens-Steelers score: Rashod Bateman’s TD puts Baltimore back in front
Baltimore cashed in on the Wilson fumble, driving 96 yards and taking only eight plays to do it before Bateman hauls in the touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson. The 14-yard connection caps off a drive that took only 3:29 off the clock. It’s Bateman’s third touchdown in the last two games and his fifth in the last six. Ravens 14, Steelers 7
Justice Hill injury update
Hill has been quickly ruled out with a concussion. He picked up 25 yards on a big run after the fumble, but the play ended with the running back being injured after his head slammed into the field. Hill was able to get up and walk off the field, but it’s never a good sign to be ruled out almost instantly. He will now be subjected to the league’s concussion protocol.
Russell Wilson fumbles, Ravens recover
Wilson and the Steelers have been in a groove ever since their touchdown drive, but that’ll have to be put on the back burner. The quarterback turned back the clock, rumbling for a 20-yard gain to set his team up with a first-and-goal, but coughed up the ball. Unlike the Ravens, the Steelers can’t recover. Baltimore takes over and the Pittsburgh drive ends in disappointing fashion. Given the early results, the players might want to try some new gloves to avoid fumbling.
Jordan Stout 14-yard punt sets Pittsburgh up with good field position
If you were wondering how the Ravens would respond to the Steelers’ touchdown, well, it wasn’t good. A penalty, drop and incomplete pass aren’t in the recipe for success and a shanked punt definitely isn’t either. Stout’s 14-yard punt gives the Steelers great starting field position in what is another ode to the AFC North’s ugly style of play.
Ravens-Steelers score: MyCole Pruitt evens the score in Baltimore
Steelers’ OC Arthur Smith is getting frisky around the holidays, opting for a pass on first down at the one. It’s a move that goes against the brand of the former Falcons’ head coach, but results in a touchdown for Pruitt, who gets Pittsburgh on the board. Any port in a storm will do and we’re right back to where we started with a tie game. Ravens 7, Steelers 7
End of first quarter: Ravens have the lead, Steelers threatening to score
A fast-paced opening 15 minutes comes to a close with the Ravens on top. It might not be for long, however, after a Fox pays the bills with some commercials. When we return, Pittsburgh is set up nicely with a first-and-goal at the one. They’ve responded nicely, traveling 72 yards with nine plays.
Ravens-Steelers score: Isaiah Likely TD catch gives Baltimore early lead
Drive No. 2 ends in much better fashion for the Ravens, as Likely finds the end zone from nine yards out. The tight end slipped out, uncovered, for the easy score. Ravens 7, Steelers 0
Joey Porter Jr. injury update
The Steelers cornerback walked off the field under his own power after being steamrolled by Derrick Henry. It is a calf injury for Porter and he is questionable to return.
UPDATE: Porter has been ruled out with a calf injury.
Steelers open with a three-and-out
Pittsburgh didn’t fare much better than Baltimore, as the Steelers’ drive ends without incident. A quick three plays leads to a punt, which also nearly ends with a turnover. Butterfingers are typically considered a Halloween candy, but Baltimore brought them to the game today. Two fumbles in the early going, but they’ve fallen on both. Lamar Jackson and company go back to work at the Steelers’ 41.
Ravens forced to punt on opening drive
A promising opening drive quickly stalled for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson nearly fumbled, but Baltimore avoided disaster and had to kick it away. It’s downed at the Steelers’ three-yard line, giving Russell Wilson some bad starting field position.
Steelers inactives
QB Justin Fields
WR George Pickens
S DeShon Elliott
CB Donte Jackson
DT Larry Ogunjobi
Ravens inactives
CB Jayln Armour-Davis
WR Nelson Agholor
S Marcus Williams
RB Keaton Mitchell
LB Adisa Isaac
C Nick Samac
Ravens vs. Steelers Saturday start time
Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT)
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
The Ravens vs. Steelers game will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. It will be the second of the NFL’s two games to kick off during the afternoon game slate.
Ravens vs. Steelers live stream
Live stream: Fubo
For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.
AFC North standings
Steelers (10-4)
Ravens (9-5)
Bengals (6-8)
Browns (3-11)
Steelers playoff scenarios
The Steelers have already clinched a playoff berth, but with a win over the Ravens, Pittsburgh would clinch the AFC North title. That would guarantee the Steelers a top four seed in the playoffs.
A loss would tie the Steelers in the standings with the Ravens. The two also would have identical division records in the case of a Baltimore win and a 5-2 record in common, non-divisional games. Pittsburgh would remain ahead in the division race because of its superior record against AFC opponents, but it would be by a thin margin.
Either way, the Steelers have the inside track to the AFC North title and, most likely, the No. 3 seed in the AFC.
Ravens playoff scenarios
The Ravens haven’t yet clinched a playoff berth but can do so with a win over the Steelers. They can also guarantee passage to the postseason as a wild card with a loss and losses (or ties) by the Dolphins and Colts.
Baltimore is tracking to be the No. 5 seed if it makes the postseason. However, a win would give it a shot to catch Pittsburgh in the division race. The Steelers own a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens at present, so Lamar Jackson and Co. must win in Week 16 to stay in the division race.
Ravens vs. Steelers odds, moneyline, over/under
Spread: Ravens (-6.5)
Moneyline: Ravens (-300); Steelers (+240)
Over/under: 45.5
The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Steelers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.
What happened to Diontae Johnson?
The Ravens excused Johnson from practice ahead of Week 16. This came after he was suspended in Week 15 for refusing to enter Baltimore’s Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
That led to the Ravens waiving him prior to their Week 16 matchup vs. the Steelers. The team acquired him in pre-deadline trade with the Carolina Panthers, who acquired the free-agent-to-be during the offseason from the Steelers.
As a result, Johnson, a former Steeler, will not get a chance to face his former team.
Lamar Jackson record vs. Steelers
Jackson has struggled during his career against Pittsburgh. The two-time MVP has just a 2-5 record against them in seven contests. That includes an 18-16 loss to the Steelers earlier in the 2024 NFL season.
Weather in Baltimore
The weather is supposed to be a little chilly for Baltimore’s home game against the Steelers. Temperatures will peak at 38 degrees while winds between 10-20 mph will blow throughout the day.
There is only a 3% chance of precipitation during Saturday’s game. As such, the wind will be the greatest obstacle for kickers and quarterbacks alike to overcome in the Week 16 matchup.
Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?
The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six.
Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups.
2025 NFL draft order
Here’s how the 2025 NFL draft order shakes out after the Week 16 edition of ‘Thursday Night Football,’ according to Tankathon.com:
Las Vegas Raiders: 2-12 record; .537 strength of schedule
New York Giants: 2-12; .550 SOS
New England Patriots: 3-11; .464 SOS
Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-11; .483 SOS
Carolina Panthers: 3-11; .496 SOS
Tennessee Titans: 3-11; .510 SOS
Cleveland Browns: 3-11; .525 SOS
New York Jets: 4-10; .506 SOS
Chicago Bears: 4-10; .559 SOS
New Orleans Saints: 5-9; .496 SOS
Miami Dolphins: 6-8; .424 SOS
Indianapolis Colts: 6-8; .473 SOS
Cincinnati Bengals: 6-8; .479 SOS
Dallas Cowboys: 6-8; .521 SOS
San Francisco 49ers: 6-8; .567 SOS
Atlanta Falcons: 7-7; .517 SOS
Arizona Cardinals: 7-7; .531 SOS
Seattle Seahawks: 8-6; .510 SOS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-6; .496 SOS
Los Angeles Rams: 8-6; .517 SOS
Los Angeles Chargers: 9-6; .467 SOS
Denver Broncos: 9-6; .488 SOS
Washington Commanders: 9-5; .441 SOS
Baltimore Ravens: 9-5; .533 SOS
Houston Texans: 9-5; .479 SOS
Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-4; .479 SOS
Green Bay Packers: 10-4; .542 SOS
Minnesota Vikings: 12-2; .483 SOS
Buffalo Bills: 11-3; .462 SOS
Philadelphia Eagles: 12-2; .445 SOS
Detroit Lions: 12-2; .534 SOS
Kansas City Chiefs: 13-1; .483 SOS
Ravens vs. Steelers TV channel
TV channel: Fox
Fox will broadcast the second NFL game on Saturday after NBC and Peacock were granted the rights to the Chiefs-Texans game.
Fox’s No. 1 broadcast team – play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and game analyst Tom Brady – will be on the call for the AFC North rivalry. The duo will be joined by Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on the sidelines for the star-studded affair.
Ravens vs. Steelers predictions, picks
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports team feels the Ravens-Steelers game will go:
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 26, Steelers 21
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 24, Steelers 20
