Did the Steelers win last night? Yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 in a dramatic Sunday night encounter to clinch the AFC North title and secure a playoff berth. Aaron Rodgers threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with just 55 seconds remaining, but it was Baltimore’s missed field goal at the buzzer that sent the black and yellow celebrating.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 on January 4, 2026
- Key Moment: Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin III for a 26-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left
- Game-Ender: Tyler Loop’s 44-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right as time expired
- Playoff Implications: Pittsburgh wins AFC North division and clinches final wild card spot
How Did Steelers Beat Ravens in Thrilling AFC North Showdown?
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
The Pittsburgh Steelers mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 in what may go down as one of the wildest endings in AFC North history. The Ravens led 24-20 late in the final quarter, but Aaron Rodgers refused to let the season slip away.
Rodgers orchestrated a 65-yard scoring drive down the left sideline, connecting with Calvin Austin III on a perfectly placed 26-yard touchdown pass with just 55 seconds remaining on the clock. The go-ahead score put the Steelers ahead 26-24 and set up the most dramatic final moments of Week 18.
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
The Ravens received the ball back for one last chance to win it, but rookie kicker Tyler Loop couldn’t deliver under immense pressure, pushing his 44-yard field goal attempt wide right as the final seconds ticked away, sealing Pittsburgh’s victory.
Aaron Rodgers Delivers AFC North Title in Clutch Fashion
Aaron Rodgers proved why he’s one of the game’s elite quarterbacks by stepping up when the stakes were highest. After the Ravens had taken a late 24-20 lead with two explosive third-down conversions, Rodgers got another opportunity to be the hero.
The veteran signal-caller engineered the game-winning drive with surgical precision, moving the Steelers down the field methodically. His 26-yard touchdown to receiver Calvin Austin III was a thing of beauty, finding his target in perfect rhythm down the left sideline despite tight coverage.
This win showcases why the Pittsburgh Steelers made the trade-deadline decision to acquire Rodgers, as he delivered the franchise a much-needed AFC North championship and berth in the postseason
Game Statistics and Notable Performances
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Baltimore Ravens |
| Final Score | 26 | 24 |
| Key Scorer | Rodgers TD Pass | Late FG Attempt |
| Final Drive | 65 yards, TD | Final drive ended |
| Season Record | 10-7 (AFC North Champs) | 8-9 (Eliminated) |
What Makes the Ravens’ Loss So Devastating?
For the Baltimore Ravens, this loss stings on multiple levels. The franchise watched Lamar Jackson and company control most of the game, holding a 24-20 lead with the finish line in sight. Yet one momentary lapse allowed Aaron Rodgers to work his magic.
The crushing part for the Ravens fanbase is that rookie kicker Tyler Loop had the chance to be the hero but couldn’t execute. Loop himself acknowledged the disappointment, saying “I just mishit the ball” and “it spins fast and goes off to the right.” A 44-yard attempt is makeable under normal circumstances, but with the AFC North title and entire season hanging in the balance, the pressure proved too much.
Baltimore finishes the season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs entirely for the first time since 2021 and falling short of claiming their first AFC North championship since 2019.
What’s Next for the Steelers in the Playoffs?
The victory sends the Pittsburgh Steelers into the AFC postseason as division champions with a 10-7 record, but their playoff seeding and first-round opponent will depend on other results around the league. The Steelers are set to face the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
With Rodgers proving he can deliver in clutch moments and the defense stepping up when needed, the Steelers have genuine hopes of making a playoff run. Pittsburgh’s ability to win a dramatic game in prime time against a rival suggests this team has the composure and talent to compete deep into January.
For now, Steelers Nation can celebrate their first AFC North title since 2020 and the dramatic fashion in which Rodgers delivered it. In the NFL, championships are won on moments like these, and the Black and Yellow made theirs count when it mattered most.
Sources
- ESPN – Game recap and Rodgers performance analysis
- NFL.com – Official scoring and moment-by-moment coverage
- Baltimore Ravens – Official team statement on season-ending loss
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.