Steelers clinch AFC North title after Ravens miss late field goal
In a hard-fought, physical contest that later turned into a fast-paced fourth-quarter shootout with major implications for the losing side, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 to clinch the AFC North.
The division title was decided by the narrowest of margins after Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds, News.Az reports, citing ESPN.
Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, who had been nearly flawless throughout the 2025 season, missed his first extra point in more than two years with 55 seconds remaining. That miss left Pittsburgh holding a slim two-point advantage and opened the door for a dramatic Baltimore comeback attempt.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kept those hopes alive by converting his second fourth-down play of the game, connecting with tight end Isaiah Likely with just 14 seconds left. The completion moved Baltimore into field goal range and set the stage for Loop’s attempt, but the kick sailed wide, sealing the Steelers’ victory and the AFC North crown.
The Steelers retook the lead 20-17 with 3:49 left, but it came at a significant cost as Rodgers had to burn the final timeout when the in-helmet communication appeared to go out. Rodgers switched helmets before the third-down call, but a few seconds after lining up, he called the timeout and demonstratively gestured at his helmet. The Steelers scored on a rushing touchdown by running back Kenneth Gainwell a play later.
Though Pittsburgh effectively shut down the Ravens' rushing attack after a 79-yard first quarter by Derrick Henry, Jackson exploited the Steelers' secondary with speedy wide receiver Zay Flowers. Flowers slipped behind the Steelers' secondary twice in the fourth quarter for monster touchdowns of 50 and 64 yards.
The Steelers retook the lead with a 26-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left, but Boswell missed his first extra point attempt since Week 15 of the 2023 season against the Indianapolis Colts.
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