It’s that time of year again. As we approach the end of 2024, many are scrambling for last-minute holiday shopping, planning get-togethers, and trying to fulfill new year’s resolutions before the calendar changes.

In the NFL, it’s the crucial period for playoff qualification. The Ravens felt this intensity on Saturday in Baltimore as they aimed for the AFC North title. Meanwhile, the Steelers showed up wanting to celebrate, but they’ll have to hold off on any celebrations for now.

The Ravens secured a 34-17 victory in Week 16, marking their first win against their longtime rivals in two years. This win allowed them to draw level at the top of the division with only two weeks remaining.

Though the score suggests a one-sided game, the match was competitive for most of the time until a hectic sequence in the fourth quarter shifted dynamics. The game featured various turnovers, a puzzling decision from Pittsburgh to attempt a fourth down conversion, and much more excitement packed into a few minutes.

The Ravens know they need to improve moving forward, but they’ll certainly celebrate this victory. With a swift turnaround ahead, Baltimore is heading to Houston for a Christmas clash with the Texans, leaving no time for lengthy celebrations.

Derrick Henry was a standout on the ground again, totaling 162 yards on 24 carries. Lamar Jackson also managed to bounce back from previous struggles against Pittsburgh with a decent performance while mostly steering clear of significant errors, apart from a lone interception.

Tiebreakers will soon become crucial, but there’s still a lot of work to be done before heading to the playoffs. At least both teams are in the mix.

Take a look at how the game played out on Saturday.

NFL Division Tiebreakers

The NFL employs 12 tiebreakers to determine a division champion if two teams have the same record. Here’s the breakdown according to NFL.com:

1. Head-to-head records (best win-loss-tied percentage in games between the teams).
2. Win-loss-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Win-loss-tied percentage in games against common opponents.
4. Win-loss-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory across all games.
6. Strength of schedule overall.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams by points scored and points allowed across all games.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams by points scored and points allowed across all games.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points overall.
11. Best net touchdowns overall.
12. Coin toss

Since the Steelers and Ravens split their two matchups and have identical division records, we move to the next tiebreaker: common opponents, where Pittsburgh currently has the advantage. They also hold the edge in conference records. Although the two-game race is still on, the Ravens face challenges ahead.

Updated AFC North Standings

1. Steelers (10-5)
2. Ravens (10-5)
3. Bengals (6-8)
4. Browns (3-11)

Ravens Secure Playoff Spot with Week 16 Victory

Just like that, the game concludes. The Ravens are headed to the playoffs following their win over the Steelers. A 17-point victory doesn’t reflect how competitive the game was, but Pittsburgh now finds itself in a struggle for the AFC North title with just two weeks left in the season. Both teams will return to action on Christmas.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Justin Tucker Converts Another Field Goal

As the game progressed, the clock became crucial. Baltimore efficiently drained 6:09 off the clock and concluded the lengthy drive with a 23-yard field goal by Tucker, extending their lead to 17. Ravens 34, Steelers 17

Zay Flowers Stats: Ravens WR Reaches 100-Yard Mark with Impressive Play

Flowers had been relatively quiet, but he had a significant impact. He made a fantastic 49-yard catch-and-run, bringing his total to 100 yards for the game with five catches on eight targets, allowing the Ravens to take more time off the clock.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Marlon Humphrey’s Pick-Six Increases Ravens Lead

“Anything you can do, I can do better.” While we can’t confirm Russell Wilson’s statement, his pass to Marlon Humphrey illustrated it. After Jackson’s interception, Wilson was eager to repay the favor, resulting in Humphrey’s 37-yard touchdown return, increasing Baltimore’s lead to 14 points. Ravens 31, Steelers 17

Lamar Jackson Throws an Interception

Jackson’s previous performances against the Steelers have garnered a lot of attention, and he didn’t help his case with this interception, throwing a soft pass into Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hands. This provided the Steelers with another chance to bounce back.

Steelers Turn It Over on Downs

As the fourth quarter began, the Steelers made a questionable choice to go for it on fourth down around midfield. Wilson threw a hopeful ball for Calvin Austin III, but it fell incomplete. A perplexing decision in such a tight game.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Mark Andrews TD Reception Regains Baltimore’s Lead

It didn’t take the Ravens long to respond. With the Steelers’ kickoff going out of bounds, they gained excellent field position.

On their drive, following six plays and covering 60 yards, Mark Andrews celebrates in the end zone as Baltimore takes the lead once again. Ravens 24, Steelers 17

Ravens-Steelers Score: Cordarrelle Patterson’s Touchdown Catch Levels the Game

Your eyes are not deceiving you—Patterson really did catch that touchdown! The wide receiver turned running back now resembles a tight end, but touchdowns are counted the same regardless of position. Wilson lofted the ball to Patterson out of the backfield, who skillfully caught it in the end zone for the game-tying touchdown. Once more, we find ourselves at square one. It’s a new game in Baltimore! Ravens 17, Steelers 17

Highlight: Calvin Austin III’s Catch Along the Sideline

Following a slow start to the half, Russell Wilson threw a deep pass to Austin down the sideline, where he managed to stay in bounds for a remarkable 44-yard gain. This is one play you don’t want to miss!

Steelers Begin the Second Half with a Three-and-Out

Pittsburgh’s momentum from before the halftime break faded quickly, as they gained only six yards before having to punt. The Ravens now have an opportunity to extend their lead once more.

Longest Field Goal in NFL History

As we prepare for the second half, the flurry of field goals towards the end of the first brings back memories. Tucker’s struggles during the 2024 season have been noted, yet let’s not overlook that he holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history—66 yards against the Lions in 2021. Attempts to surpass that record, like Brandon Aubrey’s 70-yard try for the Cowboys in Week 15, have so far been unsuccessful.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Chris Boswell’s Field Goal Concludes the Half

In response to Tucker’s 51-yard attempt, Boswell matched him by making the shot, which narrowed the gap down to seven points. Halftime has arrived in Baltimore, with the Steelers ready to start the second half. With both teams known for their rivalry, the second half promises to be exciting. Ravens 17, Steelers 10

Ravens-Steelers Score: Justin Tucker Converts a 51-yard FG to Increase Ravens’ Lead

The fans in Baltimore are ecstatic as Tucker successfully kicks a field goal from 51 yards. Although he has faced several challenges in 2024, this kick was flawless, extending the Ravens’ lead to 10 just before halftime. Pittsburgh will have a chance for a two-minute drive in response. Ravens 17, Steelers 7

Two-Minute Warning: Ravens Advancing Close to Halftime

Baltimore aims to build on their seven-point lead as the first half nears its end. They are positioned at around the Pittsburgh 34-yard line, which is likely within Justin Tucker’s range for a field goal.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Rashod Bateman’s Touchdown Returns Baltimore to the Lead

Taking advantage of the Wilson fumble, Baltimore executed a 96-yard drive in just eight plays, culminating in Bateman catching a touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson. The 14-yard throw completed a swift 3:29 drive. This marks Bateman’s third touchdown in two games and his fifth in the last six. Ravens 14, Steelers 7

Justice Hill Injury Update

Hill has been promptly ruled out due to a concussion. He recorded a significant 25-yard run following the fumble but was injured after his head struck the ground. Although he managed to get up and exit the field, being ruled out so quickly is concerning. Hill will now undergo the league’s concussion protocols.

Russell Wilson Fumbles, Ravens Recover

Wilson and the Steelers had been enjoying a good rhythm since their last touchdown, but that moment was interrupted. The quarterback made a nice 20-yard run to set the team up first-and-goal but unfortunately fumbled the ball. Unlike the Ravens, the Steelers were unable to recover. Baltimore takes over, concluding the Pittsburgh drive on a sour note. Given the recent outcomes, the players might want to consider switching to gloves with better grip to avoid fumbles.

Jordan Stout’s 14-yard Punt Gives Pittsburgh Prime Field Position

If you were curious how the Ravens would react to the Steelers’ touchdown, their response wasn’t impressive. With a penalty, a dropped pass, and an incomplete throw, it was a disaster. To make matters worse, Stout’s shanked punt only traveled 14 yards, providing the Steelers with excellent starting field position—a testament to the rugged style of play common in the AFC North.

Ravens-Steelers Score: MyCole Pruitt Levels the Playing Field in Baltimore

The Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, made a bold choice, opting for a pass on first down at the one-yard line, a departure from his usual strategy. The gamble paid off as Pruitt caught a touchdown pass and put Pittsburgh on the scoreboard. It’s a fresh start as we find ourselves tied once more. Ravens 7, Steelers 7

End of First Quarter: Ravens Leading, Steelers on the Verge of Scoring

The first quarter wraps up with a swift 15 minutes of play, leaving the Ravens in the lead. However, that advantage may not hold for long, as we prepare for commercials. When we return, the Steelers are positioned nicely with a first-and-goal at the one-yard line, having successfully driven 72 yards in nine plays.

Ravens-Steelers Score: Isaiah Likely’s Touchdown Catch Gives Baltimore a Quick Lead

The Ravens’ second drive ended on a much more promising note, as Likely slipped away unnoticed for an easy nine-yard touchdown. Ravens 7, Steelers 0

Joey Porter Jr. Injury Report

The Steelers’ cornerback departed the field under his own power after encountering a tough hit from Derrick Henry. He is dealing with a calf injury and is questionable to return.

Steelers Start with a Three-and-Out

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Pittsburgh’s performance wasn’t much better than Baltimore’s, as the Steelers’ drive concludes without any significant gains. A prompt sequence of three plays leads to a punt, which nearly results in a turnover. While Butterfingers are often associated with Halloween treats, Baltimore seemed to apply this label to their game today. Despite two fumbles early in the game, they managed to recover both. Lamar Jackson and his team will try again from the Steelers’ 41-yard line.

Ravens forced to punt on first drive

The Ravens started with a promising drive, but it quickly fell apart. Lamar Jackson nearly fumbled, but Baltimore avoided a major mishap and had to punt. The ball was downed at the Steelers’ three-yard line, placing Russell Wilson in a tough position to start.

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 kickoff time

• Kickoff time: 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT)
• Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.

The Ravens vs. Steelers game will commence at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, marking the second of the NFL’s two afternoon games.

Ravens vs. Steelers live streaming

• Live streaming: Fubo

If you’re looking to stream the game without a cable subscription, Fubo is a good option. It offers NBC, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN channels, which means you can enjoy NFL games for the rest of the season.

AFC North standings

1. Steelers (10-4)
2. Ravens (9-5)
3. Bengals (6-8)
4. Browns (3-11)

Steelers playoff opportunities

The Steelers have secured a spot in the playoffs. However, by winning against the Ravens, Pittsburgh could clinch the AFC North title, ensuring a top four playoff seed.

If they lose, the Steelers will be tied with the Ravens in the standings. Both teams would have the same division records, and if Baltimore wins, they would also share identical records in common, non-divisional games. While Pittsburgh would maintain a slight edge in the division race due to their better performance against AFC rivals, it would be close.

Regardless, the Steelers have a solid chance at claiming the AFC North title and likely securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.

Ravens playoff chances

The Ravens have not yet secured a playoff spot, but winning against the Steelers would change that. They can also qualify as a wild card if they lose, provided both the Dolphins and Colts also lose or tie.

If they make it to the postseason, Baltimore is likely to be the No. 5 seed. However, a win would allow them to contend for the division title against Pittsburgh. Currently, the Steelers have the head-to-head advantage, so it’s crucial for Lamar Jackson and his team to win in Week 16.

Ravens vs. Steelers betting odds

• Spread: Ravens (-6.5)
• Moneyline: Ravens (-300); Steelers (+240)
• Over/under: 45.5

The Ravens are the favorites to win against the Steelers, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

Update on Diontae Johnson

The Ravens has excused Johnson from practice ahead of Week 16 after he was suspended in Week 15 for declining to play in Baltimore’s Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

As a result, Johnson was waived before the Week 16 game against the Steelers. The team had acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in a trade before the deadline after the Panthers had signed him in the offseason from the Steelers.

Thus, Johnson, a former Steeler, will not face his old team.

Lamar Jackson’s record versus Steelers

Throughout his career, Jackson has faced challenges against Pittsburgh. The two-time MVP holds a record of just 2-5 against them in seven games, including an 18-16 defeat earlier in the current NFL season.

Weather forecast for Baltimore

The temperature during Baltimore’s home game against the Steelers is set to be a bit chilly, with highs reaching 38 degrees. Winds will be blowing at 10-20 mph throughout the day.

There’s only a 3% chance of rain during Saturday’s match, which means the wind will be the main factor challenging the kickers and quarterbacks in this Week 16 contest.

NFL team Super Bowl victories

The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots, each having won six Super Bowls.

Pittsburgh and Dallas uniquely share the record for the most matchups against each other in Super Bowl history, having played three times.

2025 NFL draft order

Following the Week 16 edition of “Thursday Night Football,” here’s how the 2025 NFL draft order looks, according to Tankathon.com:

1. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-12 record; .537 strength of schedule
2. New York Giants: 2-12; .550 SOS
3. New England Patriots: 3-11; .464 SOS
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-11; .483 SOS
5. Carolina Panthers: 3-11; .496 SOS
6. Tennessee Titans: 3-11; .510 SOS
7. Cleveland Browns: 3-11; .525 SOS
8. New York Jets: 4-10; .506 SOS
9. Chicago Bears: 4-10; .559 SOS
10. New Orleans Saints: 5-9; .496 SOS
11. Miami Dolphins: 6-8; .424 SOS
12. Indianapolis Colts: 6-8; .473 SOS
13. Cincinnati Bengals: 6-8; .479 SOS
14. Dallas Cowboys: 6-8; .521 SOS
15. San Francisco 49ers: 6-8; .567 SOS
16. Atlanta Falcons: 7-7; .517 SOS
17. Arizona Cardinals: 7-7; .531 SOS
18. Seattle Seahawks: 8-6; .510 SOS
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-6; .496 SOS
20. Los Angeles Rams: 8-6; .517 SOS
21. Los Angeles Chargers: 9-6; .467 SOS
22. Denver Broncos: 9-6; .488 SOS
23. Washington Commanders: 9-5; .441 SOS
24. Baltimore Ravens: 9-5; .533 SOS
25. Houston Texans: 9-5; .479 SOS
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-4; .479 SOS
27. Green Bay Packers: 10-4; .542 SOS
28. Minnesota Vikings: 12-2; .483 SOS
29. Buffalo Bills: 11-3; .462 SOS
30. Philadelphia Eagles: 12-2; .445 SOS
31. Detroit Lions: 12-2; .534 SOS
32. Kansas City Chiefs: 13-1; .483 SOS

Ravens vs. Steelers broadcast channel

• Broadcast channel: Fox

Fox will air the second NFL game on Saturday.

Following the announcement that NBC and Peacock have secured the rights for the Chiefs-Texans matchup.

The leading broadcast team from Fox, which includes play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Tom Brady, will cover the AFC North clash. They will also have Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi providing sideline reporting for this highly anticipated game.

Predictions and Picks for Ravens vs. Steelers

Here’s what the YSL News Sports team is predicting for the Ravens-Steelers game:

• Tyler Dragon: Ravens 26, Steelers 21
• Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 24, Steelers 20