The NFL playoff structure currently allows only one team in each conference to earn a bye week, but Saturday night in Baltimore felt almost like having a second bye.

In a clash of fierce rivals, the Ravens decisively defeated the Steelers with a score of 28-14. Despite the final score suggesting a closer game, Baltimore dominated from the start, leading 21-0 at halftime and controlling the ball for more than 20 of the first 30 minutes, running 23 more plays and outgaining Pittsburgh by a staggering 308 to 59 yards. As in typical routs, the Steelers managed to make the score look better in the second half, but it felt more like a phantom comeback.

Even while cruising, the Ravens never seemed at risk of losing this wild card matchup, marking a night dedicated to Lamar Jackson.

Fans erupted in chants of “MVP” recognizing a performance deserving of the title. Jackson delivered impressively with 14 runs for 82 yards, including 11 carries for 64 yards in the first half alone. Additionally, Derrick Henry dominated with 26 runs for 186 yards, scoring two touchdowns and showcasing a particularly impressive run.

Now on a five-game winning streak, the No. 3 seed heads into the divisional round as one of the league’s hottest teams, turning their focus toward Sunday’s games in Buffalo.

If the Bills win, Baltimore will travel to western New York to face Josh Allen. However, if Bo Nix and the Broncos upset the Bills, the Ravens will host the Texans, vying for a chance to reach the AFC Championship Game.

Here’s a recap of how the action unfolded in Baltimore during a game that was one-sided from the outset.

Steelers turnover on downs

The Ravens played as if they had already secured the game long before this moment, leaving a slight opening for the Steelers. However, Pittsburgh, unable to take full advantage, turned the ball over on downs, likely missing their last opportunity. Russell Wilson’s desperation pass to Calvin Austin III fell incomplete in the end zone.

End of third quarter: Ravens maintain lead, Steelers trying to rally

The margin has narrowed, but not significantly. Baltimore leads by 14 as they enter the final quarter and will receive a punt from Pittsburgh to kick it off.

Why was the Ravens-Steelers game delayed?

The broadcast indicated that the game experienced a brief delay due to a drone flying near the stadium, not due to Justin Fields entering the game.

Ravens-Steelers score: George Pickens TD keeps Pittsburgh hopes alive

George Pickens has finally made his presence felt by catching a 36-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson, cutting the deficit to 14. The score now reads: Ravens 28, Steelers 14.

Ravens-Steelers score: Derrick Henry TD extends the lead

For a brief moment, it appeared that the Steelers might stage a comeback. Reality set back in, however, as Derrick Henry rushed for a 44-yard touchdown, restoring Baltimore’s three-score advantage with under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. The score is now Ravens 28, Steelers 7.

Ravens-Steelers score: Steelers finally respond with Russell Wilson TD

The Steelers are showing resilience.

Pittsburgh came back from halftime with renewed energy, opting to throw the ball more. After completing several big passes to Calvin Austin and Mike Williams, Russell Wilson found Van Jefferson in the end zone for their first touchdown of the game, indicating a spark of offensive action. The score is now Ravens 21, Steelers 7.

Ravens-Steelers score: Lamar Jackson connects with Justice Hill for TD

WBAL: All Ravens, all the time.

In the first half of their wild card showdown against their AFC North competitor, the Ravens completely dominated the Steelers. Baltimore’s offense excelled through both rushing and passing, culminating in a touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Justice Hill that put the Ravens up 21-0 with just two seconds left in the half.

Kirk Herbstreit critiques Steelers’ performance

The Steelers pride themselves on their franchise legacy. Yet, Kirk Herbstreit argues that they appeared to be going through the motions during the first half.

That assessment is hard to dispute, as the Ravens seemed to do anything they wanted. Unless the Steelers show significant improvement in the second half, there will be many questions regarding a team that entered the playoffs after losing four consecutive games.

Lamar Jackson rushing stats: Ravens QB outwitting Steelers

Jackson is proving that his previous struggles against the Steelers are a thing of the past. The quarterback is excelling in the ground game, rushing 11 times for 64 yards with just over four minutes to play in the second quarter.

While he has only surpassed 100 rushing yards once this season, he has a strong chance of achieving that tonight if he stays in the game amid the ongoing blowout.

Lamar Jackson teeth: Ravens QB sporting real diamond grills

Look good, feel good, play good. Jackson seems to firmly believe in this mantra, as he is displaying an impressive performance against the Steelers in the initial half, providing fans ample opportunities to admire the brilliance of the diamonds on display in his smile.

As he mentioned to Ryan Fitzpatrick from Amazon Prime earlier this season, the diamonds are genuine. They can be removed, though one could speculate that the tooth fairy might be interested in acquiring them.

Ravens-Steelers score: Derrick Henry scores with a touchdown

The Ravens are bringing their offensive strategies back to a classic approach.

They executed a 13-play drive covering 85 yards. Interestingly, there wasn’t a single pass during this series. Instead, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry took control on the ground against the Steelers, delivering 13 rushes – the last of which gained six yards. Ravens 14, Steelers 0

End of the first quarter: Ravens lead by a touchdown and aiming for more

The opening quarter wraps up with a fast pace as Baltimore is again on the move, attempting to extend their 7-0 advantage. They have clearly controlled the game, holding the ball for 9:47 and outpacing the Steelers with 128 yards to 27. This is a classic rout, showcasing the Ravens’ strength in Charm City so far.

Steelers fail to respond after Ravens’ touchdown

If you missed it, the Steelers only managed a quick three-and-out following the Ravens’ touchdown, handing the ball back to Baltimore as they attempt to take an early lead.

What do Ravens fans chant after scoring?

The Ravens fans have joined teams like the Jets and Eagles in showcasing their ability to spell. Following the touchdown, a loud chant of R-A-V-E-N-S resonated throughout the Baltimore night. It might not win any spelling contests, but it suits the celebratory mood of the fans.

Ravens-Steelers score: Rashod Bateman caps off a strong opening drive with a touchdown

This matchup is starting to seem quite unbalanced.

The Ravens employed 13 plays to cover 95 yards, taking 7:13 off the clock, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. There had been discussions regarding Lamar Jackson’s challenges against the Steelers this week, yet he showcased his skill, running on five consecutive plays for a total of 22 yards.

Derrick Henry’s powerful stiff-arm has set the tone for a commanding opening drive from Baltimore. Ravens 7, Steelers 0

Steelers offense struggles right from the start

The game has commenced in Baltimore, and the Pittsburgh offense continues to appear disorganized.

They achieved a first down, but mixed in a play with Justin Fields, encountered a drop by Pat Freiermuth, and had a brief scramble from Russell Wilson during a six-play drive.

There was a nearly disastrous moment for the Ravens during the punt when Steven Sims had the ball bounce off his helmet. He recovered, but Baltimore will start deep in their own end on this chilly Saturday evening.

When is the kickoff for Ravens vs. Steelers?

• Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)

The Ravens and Steelers are ready to start the game on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET. The Steelers come to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to compete against their division rival.

Ravens inactives vs. Steelers

Zay Flowers is the highlight of the inactive players for this game due to a knee injury. Aside from him, there aren’t many surprises from Baltimore:

• WR Zay Flowers
• S Beau Brade
• RB Rasheen Ali
• S Marcus Williams
• LB Adisa Isaac
• C Nick Samac
• WR Keith Kirkwood

Steelers inactives vs. Ravens

The Steelers will play without starting right guard Mason McCormick, who broke his hand in the Week 18 finale. Spencer Anderson is expected to step in for him. Here’s the list of inactive players for Pittsburgh:

• QB Kyle Allen (emergency QB)
• WR Scotty Miller
• WR Jamal Agnew
• CB Cory Trice Jr.
• OL Mason McCormick
• LB Preston Smith
• DE Dean Lowry

Ravens vs. Steelers betting odds, moneyline, over/under

The Ravens are favored to win against the Steelers per the BetMGM NFL odds. Not into this game? Check out expert picks and recommendations for all NFL games this week.

• Spread: Ravens (-9.5)
• Moneyline: Ravens (-600); Steelers (+425)
• Over/under: 43.5

Where to watch Ravens vs. Steelers live stream

• Live stream: Amazon Prime Video.

For those without cable looking to watch the game live, Amazon Prime is your go-to platform. The Ravens-Steelers game will be exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

Additionally, ESPN+, the streaming service from ESPN, will also feature the game.

Is an Amazon account necessary to watch Steelers-Ravens?

Yes, to view the game on Amazon Prime Video, you will need an account, as it holds the exclusive streaming rights. Local viewers in Baltimore and Pittsburgh may have other options.

What broadcast channel is Ravens vs. Steelers on?

• Live stream: Amazon Prime
• TV channels (local markets): ABC 2 (Baltimore area) | WPXI, channel 11 (Pittsburgh area)

For a nationwide viewership, the Ravens-Steelers game will be available on Amazon Prime.

In Baltimore, viewers can catch the action on ABC 2, while those in Pittsburgh can turn to WPXI for coverage of the game.

What NFL playoff games are scheduled for this weekend?

This weekend features six NFL playoff matchups as part of the wild-card round. Here’s the lineup, sorted by conference:

AFC wild-card matchups

• 2. Buffalo Bills (13-4) vs. 7. Denver Broncos (10-7)
• 3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5) vs. 6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
• 4. Houston Texans (10-7) vs. 5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

NFC wild-card matchups

• • 2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) vs. 7. Green Bay Packers (11-6)
  • 3. Tampa Bay Browns (10-7) vs. 6. Washington Commanders (12-5)
  • 4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7) vs. 5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)

  Predictions and Picks for Ravens vs. Steelers

  Here’s the perspective of the YSL News Sports team on how the Ravens-Steelers wild-card game will unfold:

  • • • Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 26, Steelers 21
      • Tyler Dragon: Ravens 27, Steelers 19
      • Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 30, Steelers 19

  Mike Tomlin’s Playoff Record

  Mike Tomlin has led the team in 18 NFL playoff games, which includes two Super Bowl trips (and a championship win).

  Below is a detailed breakdown of his playoff history since he became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007:

   

  • • • 2007: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • 2008: 3-0; Super Bowl 43 champions
      • 2010: 2-1; lost in Super Bowl 45
      • 2011: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • 2014: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • 2015: 1-1; lost in divisional round
      • 2016: 2-1; lost in AFC championship game
      • 2017: 0-1; lost in divisional round
      • 2020: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • 2021: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • 2023: 0-1; lost in wild card round
      • Overall: 8-10

  Which NFL Team Holds the Record for Most Super Bowl Victories?

  The Pittsburgh Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the highest number of Super Bowl victories, with six each.

  Pittsburgh and Dallas share the record for facing off in the Super Bowl more than any other team pairing, with three encounters to date.

  Here’s a list of NFL teams with the most Super Bowl triumphs:

  • • • New England Patriots — 6
      • Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
      • Dallas Cowboys — 5
      • San Francisco 49ers — 5
      • Green Bay Packers — 4
      • Kansas City Chiefs — 4
      • New York Giants — 4

   

  Top Bets for Ravens vs. Steelers

  Want to spice up the wild card playoff game with some betting? Here are some recommended wagers for this matchup:

  • • • Russell Wilson UNDER 14.5 rushing yards (-110)
      • George Pickens OVER 55.5 receiving yards (-110)
      • Isaiah Likely anytime TD (+275)

  Lamar Jackson’s Stats Against the Steelers

  Throughout his career, Jackson has faced some challenges against the Steelers. He has recorded nine interceptions against them – more than against any other team – resulting in a passer rating of 73.1, his lowest against any opponent.

  To date, Jackson has never scored a rushing touchdown against Pittsburgh in his eight games (six starts) against them.

   

  Check out Jackson’s complete stats against the Steelers below:

  • • • Completion rate: 109-188 (57.98%)
      • Passing yards: 1,284
      • Passing TDs: 8
      • INTs: 9
      • Yards per attempt: 6.83
      • Passer rating: 71.3
      • Carries: 66
      • Rushing yards: 330
      • Rushing TDs: 0
      • Yards per carry: 5.0

  Weather Updates for Ravens vs. Steelers

  The weather in Baltimore is expected to be windy. According to the AccuWeather forecast, temperatures will be around 30 degrees at kickoff with a wind-chill effect making it feel like 17 degrees. There’s a 0% chance of rain, but wind gusts could reach up to 27 MPH during the game.

  Announcers for Ravens vs. Steelers on Amazon Prime Video

  Al Michaels will be doing play-by-play, alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit, providing coverage for Prime Video. Kaylee Hartung will be on the sidelines, with Terry McAulay set to provide insights on the rules.

  The Prime Video pregame, halftime, and postgame programming will be hosted by Charissa Thompson, featuring analysis from ex-NFL players like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman, and Andrew Whitworth.

   

  Taylor Rooks will serve as the feature reporter during Prime Video’s coverage, while Albert Breer will contribute reports and analysis.