Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Player Stats: Game Recap and Key Performances

For a rivalry that prides itself on leaving everything on the field, the Steelers and Ravens delivered a finish that neither fan base will forget. The Week 18 matchup on January 4, 2026, had playoff elimination for the loser and an AFC North title for the winner — and the player stats tell the story of how one missed field goal decided both.

Final Score: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 ·
Leading Rusher (Ravens): Derrick Henry – 126 yards ·
Team Rushing Yards (Ravens): 307 yards on 53 attempts ·
Game-Winning Play: Missed 44-yard field goal by Ravens as time expired ·
Defensive Leader (Ravens): Chidobe Awuzie – 6 tackles, 1 assist ·
Playoff Outcome: Steelers clinched AFC North and final playoff spot

Five key facts, one clear picture: the Steelers won on accuracy where it mattered most.

What happened at the end of the Steelers-Ravens game?

The missed field goal attempt

• Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
• The kick would have given Baltimore a walk‑off win.

Steelers’ defensive stand

• Pittsburgh’s defense held the Ravens to a four‑and‑out on the previous drive, forcing the long field‑goal attempt.
• Chidobe Awuzie recorded 6 tackles and 1 assist (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).

Game‑winning drive stats

• Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 47 passes for 294 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).
• His 47 attempts and 294 yards kept drives alive in the fourth quarter.

The pattern: Baltimore’s run‑heavy philosophy created a gulf in time of possession, but Pittsburgh’s passing efficiency under pressure tipped the game. The implication: a 44‑yard kick is no guarantee, and Baltimore’s reliance on one play to save its season proved fatal.

Who won, the Steelers or the Ravens today?

Final score Steelers 26-24

• Pittsburgh defeated Baltimore 26‑24 on January 4, 2026 (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
• The win gave the Steelers the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff berth (The Athletic (sports journalism)).

Key scoring plays

• Derrick Henry scored a rushing touchdown (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).
• Lamar Jackson threw three passing touchdowns (11‑of‑18, 238 yards, 1 INT) (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).
• Steelers’ team rushing: 24 carries, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).

Player stats: passing and rushing leaders

• Passing: Aaron Rodgers (PIT) 294 yds, 1 TD; Lamar Jackson (BAL) 238 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).
• Rushing: Derrick Henry (BAL) 20 carries, 126 yds, 1 TD (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).

What this means: Baltimore’s passing efficiency (11 completions for 238 yards, 3 TDs) was stunning, but the Steelers controlled the clock and out‑executed when it counted.

Do the Steelers need to beat the Ravens to get into the playoffs?

Playoff scenarios entering Week 18

• The Steelers needed a win to secure a playoff berth (Sporting News (sports news outlet)).
• A loss would have ended their season.

The impact of the win

• With the 26‑24 victory, Pittsburgh claimed the AFC North division title (The Athletic (sports journalism)).
• They also secured the final AFC playoff spot (Yahoo Sports (sports media)).

Steelers’ playoff seeding

• The win gave Pittsburgh a home playoff game in the wild‑card round.
• The Ravens were eliminated from playoff contention (Sporting News (sports news outlet)).

The catch: For Baltimore, the defeat meant the end of a season that had looked promising. For Pittsburgh, it was survival — and a division crown.

Why do the Ravens hate the Steelers?

History of the rivalry

• The Steelers‑Ravens rivalry is one of the NFL’s most intense (NFL.com (league authority)).
• Physical, defensive‑focused matchups have defined the series for two decades.

Key incidents and games

• Recent games have been close and often decided by a single play — like the 2026 finale.
• Emotional post‑game exchanges between players and coaches are common.

Player and coach quotes

“You can’t describe the feeling when you know everything’s on the line and you come out on top against a team that gives you nothing.”

— Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin, after the game (via ESPN (sports news outlet))

“I thought I hit it well. It just didn’t go through. That’s on me.”

— Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, on the missed field goal (via ESPN (sports news outlet))

The pattern: This rivalry thrives on high‑stakes moments, and the 2026 edition added another chapter that will be replayed for years.

Is the Steelers better than the Ravens?

Head‑to‑head record

• The all‑time series is closely contested, with the Steelers holding a narrow edge.
• Pittsburgh won the most recent meeting (Week 18, 2026).

Season stats comparison

• Ravens averaged 307 rushing yards per game in this matchup; Steelers averaged 100 rushing yards.
• Baltimore’s passing efficiency (238 yards, 3 TDs on 18 attempts) was superior to Pittsburgh’s (294 yards, 1 TD on 47 attempts).

Player performance metrics

• Rushing: Henry (126 yds) vs Steelers’ team (100 yds) — clear advantage Baltimore (FantasyData (box score aggregator)).
• Passing: Rodgers’ 294 yds outpaced Jackson’s 238 yds, but Jackson’s 3 TDs to 1 INT was more efficient.

Why this matters: The Ravens likely had the better statistical performance overall, but the Steelers made the winning plays when it counted. “Better” depends on whether you value process or outcome.

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About the author

Ethan Caleb Mercer Mitchell

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.