Game 272: The Final Game of the NFL Regular Season is for All the Marbles
Sunday, January 4, 2026 | 8:20 PM ET | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA | NBC Sunday Night Football
The Miracle Happened: Browns Gift Ravens One More Chance
After Derrick Henry’s historic 216-yard, 4-TD performance at Lambeau Field kept the Ravens’ playoff hopes on life support, Baltimore needed a miracle to get one more game.
The 3-12 Cleveland Browns delivered.
On Sunday afternoon, the Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 in a defensive slugfest, denying Pittsburgh their chance to clinch the AFC North and setting up the most dramatic Week 18 matchup possible:
Ravens @ Steelers – Sunday Night Football – Winner Takes All
This isn’t just for playoff positioning or seeding. This is binary. This is life or death.
Win: AFC North Champions + #4 seed in AFC + home playoff game
Lose: Season over, go home, watch the playoffs on TV
Both teams sitting at 9-7 and 8-8 respectively. Both teams with everything to play for. The greatest rivalry in the AFC. Under the lights. On Sunday Night Football. For the division crown.
This is what football is supposed to be.
Final Score: Ravens 41, Packers 24
Let’s recap what just happened Saturday night at Lambeau Field because it was genuinely one of the most dominant Ravens performances in years.
Derrick Henry: 36 carries, 216 yards, 4 TDs (set NFL record)
Tyler Huntley: 16-of-20, 107 yards, 1 TD, 61 rushing yards, 0 turnovers
Ravens Defense: Marlon Humphrey’s crucial 4th quarter INT (3rd straight game)
Time of Possession: 36:04 (absolutely dominated)
The Ravens didn’t just beat the Packers—they dismantled them. They ran for 307 yards as a team, controlled the clock, played mistake-free football, and for once this season, FINISHED strong in the fourth quarter.
It was the complete, physical, dominant performance that Ravens fans had been waiting for all season.
And now, because the Browns somehow beat the Steelers 13-6 on Sunday, the Ravens get one more shot.
The Stakes: Literally Everything
What’s on the Line
For the Ravens (8-8):
- Win: AFC North Champions for third straight year + #4 seed + home playoff game
- Lose: Season over, missed playoffs despite Derrick Henry’s historic season
- The Narrative: Can they win in Pittsburgh when it matters most?
For the Steelers (9-7):
- Win: AFC North Champions (first since 2020) + #4 seed + home playoff game
- Lose: Season over, blown chance after losing to 3-12 Browns
- The Narrative: Can they bounce back after embarrassing loss to Cleveland?
The History
This will be the first time ever that the Ravens and Steelers have played for the AFC North title in a Week 18 season finale.
All-Time Regular Season Series:
Steelers lead 37-27
Week 14 Meeting (This Season):
Steelers 27, Ravens 22 (at Baltimore)
The Steelers won the earlier matchup at M&T Bank Stadium behind Aaron Rodgers’ efficient play and a defense that created just enough turnovers to win.
Now the Ravens get a chance for revenge—on the road, in primetime, with everything on the line.
The Lamar Jackson Question: Will He Play?
This is THE storyline heading into the week.
The Injury
Lamar Jackson suffered a back contusion on December 21 when he was kneed in the back by Patriots safety Craig Woodson. He didn’t practice all week before the Packers game and was ruled out Saturday.
John Harbaugh’s Monday Update: “It’s to be determined. He’s coming off a very serious injury, and he’s working at it—saw him in here today working at it—so I think we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday.”
The Optimism
Despite the severity of the injury, there are reasons for hope:
- Progress Throughout Last Week: “It was not good at all early in the week, and it improved as the week went on. That was cause for optimism,” Harbaugh said.
- Harbaugh’s Commitment: “My confidence in Tyler is a real big positive—a real plus. But it doesn’t factor into whether Lamar plays. If Lamar is ready to go, he’s playing—that’s it, for sure.”
- Extra Rest: Jackson gets an extra day of recovery compared to last week (played Saturday, now playing Sunday)
- Ian Rapoport Report: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Jackson is “considered likely to return to action” for Week 18
The Reality Check
Jackson has dealt with injuries ALL SEASON LONG:
- Hamstring (missed 3 games)
- Knee
- Ankle
- Toe
- Back (current)
In 12 starts this season: 6-6 record, 192.6 yards passing per game (24th among QBs with 10+ starts)
This has been one of the most challenging seasons of his eight-year career.
Wednesday Practice Will Tell the Story
The Ravens’ first practice of the week on Wednesday will be the key indicator. If Jackson practices in any capacity, he’s likely to play. If he doesn’t practice, things get murky.
Most Likely Scenario: Jackson plays at 80-90% health. He’s a warrior, this is an elimination game, and he’s not sitting this one out if he can physically move.
If Tyler Huntley Starts: Ravens Still Dangerous
Let’s not forget: Tyler Huntley is 2-0 as a starter this season with wins over the Bears and Packers.
Huntley’s 2025 Stats (2 Starts)
Passing: 33-of-42 (78.6%), 293 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Rushing: 113 yards on 14 carries
Huntley has been EFFICIENT and mistake-free. He doesn’t try to be Lamar Jackson. He manages the game, hands the ball to Derrick Henry, and makes a few key throws when needed.
The Packers Game Plan:
- 36 Derrick Henry carries
- Huntley only threw 20 passes (16 completions)
- 307 rushing yards as a team
- 36:04 time of possession
- 0 turnovers
That’s a winning formula against ANY team—including the Steelers.
Huntley vs. Steelers History
Huntley has faced the Steelers before and knows what it takes to compete in this rivalry. He may not have Lamar’s explosiveness, but he has playoff experience and big-game composure.
The Question: Can Huntley execute the same gameplan in a hostile environment at Acrisure Stadium with the season on the line?
Steelers Coming Off Embarrassing Loss to Browns
While the Ravens were dominating the Packers, the Steelers were getting embarrassed by the 3-12 Cleveland Browns 13-6.
What Went Wrong
Offense Couldn’t Score:
- 6 points total (0 touchdowns)
- Aaron Rodgers: 21-of-39, 168 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
- Running backs: 64 yards on 12 carries
- Red zone failures
Defense Couldn’t Stop Browns’ Rookie QB:
- Shedeur Sanders: 17-of-23, 186 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
- Browns scored on their first two drives
- Couldn’t get off the field on third down
Final Drive Disaster: Aaron Rodgers had the ball with 1:40 left, drove to Cleveland’s 7-yard line, and threw FOUR straight incompletions to Marquez Valdes-Scantling (all defended by Denzel Ward).
Missing Pieces
DK Metcalf (Suspended): The Steelers’ leading receiver is serving game 2 of his 2-game suspension for his altercation with a fan in Detroit. In Week 14 vs. Ravens, Metcalf had 7 catches for 148 yards.
Darnell Washington (Broken Arm): The big tight end suffered a broken arm in Cleveland and is out.
Calvin Austin III (Hamstring): Questionable
But T.J. Watt May Return
Reports indicate that T.J. Watt could return for Week 18 after missing time with a partially collapsed lung. If Watt plays, it’s a MASSIVE boost to the Steelers’ pass rush.
The Mental State
How do the Steelers respond after blowing a chance to clinch the division by losing to a 3-12 Browns team that had lost 6 straight?
Option A: They’re embarrassed and angry, come out fired up, and take it out on the Ravens
Option B: They’re shaken and uncertain, the loss lingers in their heads, and they play tight
Which version shows up on Sunday Night Football?
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Derrick Henry vs. Steelers Run Defense
After the Patriots debacle where Henry didn’t touch the ball in the final 12:50 despite having 128 yards and 2 TDs, the Ravens fed him 36 times at Lambeau Field.
Result: 216 yards, 4 TDs, NFL record set
The Question: Can the Steelers stop Derrick Henry, or will the Ravens ride the King to an AFC North title?
Steelers Run Defense:
- 15th in NFL (122.4 yards allowed per game)
- Strong against the run earlier in the season but showed cracks lately
- Missing pieces due to injuries
The Ravens’ Plan: Give Henry 30+ carries, control time of possession, keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline, win in the trenches.
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Ravens Defense
At 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers has had an up-and-down first season in Pittsburgh.
Season Stats:
- 3,847 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs
- 66.4% completion percentage
- Still capable of magic but inconsistent
Week 14 vs. Ravens: 24-of-35, 289 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rodgers played well enough to win that game, but the Ravens’ secondary has been vulnerable to big plays. Against the Packers, backup QB Malik Willis threw for 288 yards with multiple deep shots.
The Ravens’ Secondary Challenge:
- Gave up 5 completions of 30+ yards to Malik Willis
- Nate Wiggins had a rough night (5 catches on 6 targets, 111 yards allowed per PFF)
- Must play better technique in coverage
Marlon Humphrey: Has interceptions in 3 straight games. Can he make it 4 and pick off Rodgers in a crucial moment?
3. Ravens Offensive Line vs. Steelers Pass Rush (Potentially With T.J. Watt)
If T.J. Watt returns, the Ravens’ offensive line (whether protecting Lamar or Huntley) will be tested.
The Ravens’ O-Line Dominance: Against the Packers, the Ravens’ offensive line:
- Paved the way for 307 rushing yards
- Allowed just 1 sack (for zero yards lost)
- Controlled the line of scrimmage all night
The Steelers’ Pass Rush:
- Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt (if healthy), Cameron Heyward
- Generated pressure on Rodgers-led offense all season
- Must get to Lamar/Huntley and force mistakes
Edge: Ravens if they can replicate their Packers performance. Steelers if T.J. Watt is healthy and dominant.
4. Zay Flowers vs. Steelers Secondary
Zay Flowers has had an up-and-down season:
- 1,043 receiving yards (second Pro Bowl selection)
- Just 1 receiving TD all season
- Critical 10-yard TD catch vs. Packers on 3rd-and-8
- Fumbled away the Patriots game in the final 2 minutes
The Redemption Arc: Can Flowers have a big game on the road in primetime to help deliver an AFC North title?
Steelers Secondary:
- Lost some key pieces to injury
- Will focus on stopping the run and daring Ravens to throw
- Vulnerable if Flowers can get open
5. Special Teams: Don’t Blow It
After what we’ve seen from both teams lately (Packers fumbled onside kick, Browns making clutch plays), special teams could swing this game.
Justin Tucker: Still the most reliable kicker in the NFL. Will likely be the difference in a close game.
Chris Boswell: Missed a field goal in Cleveland that could have been the difference. Needs to bounce back.
Field Position Battle: In a low-scoring slugfest, field position will be CRUCIAL.
Betting Lines & Predictions
The Line (As of Monday)
Spread: Ravens -3 (road favorites!)
Over/Under: 42.5
Moneyline: Ravens -155, Steelers +135
What the Line Tells Us
The Ravens are 3-point road favorites despite:
- Lamar Jackson’s status being uncertain
- Playing in Pittsburgh
- Steelers being at home
What Vegas is saying: The sportsbooks believe the Ravens are the better team right now, and that Derrick Henry can carry them to victory even without a healthy Lamar Jackson.
The total at 42.5 suggests a low-scoring, defensive game (similar to the 13-6 Browns-Steelers snoozefest).
Expert Consensus
Most analysts are split on this game because of the Lamar Jackson uncertainty:
If Lamar plays: Ravens are the pick
If Huntley starts: Toss-up, slight edge to Steelers at home
Our Prediction
If Lamar Jackson Plays (Even at 80%):
The Ravens win this game. Lamar in a must-win rivalry game, with Derrick Henry running wild, in a game he desperately wants after missing Week 17? That’s a dangerous combination.
Pick: Ravens 24, Steelers 20 (Ravens cover -3)
If Tyler Huntley Starts:
This becomes a rock fight. Derrick Henry gets 30+ carries, the Ravens try to shorten the game and control clock, and it comes down to whoever makes fewer mistakes.
Pick: Steelers 20, Ravens 17 (Steelers cover +3)
Most Likely Outcome:
Lamar Jackson will play. He’s a two-time MVP, this is for the AFC North title, and there’s no way he’s sitting this one out if he can physically move.
Final Prediction: Ravens 27, Steelers 23
The Ravens feed Derrick Henry 35+ times, Lamar makes 2-3 crucial throws, Marlon Humphrey gets his 4th straight interception, and Justin Tucker kicks the game-winner.
The Ravens win the AFC North for the third straight year and punch their ticket to the playoffs.
X-Factors That Could Swing the Game
1. Lamar Jackson’s Mobility
If Lamar plays but can’t run effectively due to the back injury, the Steelers’ defense can key on Derrick Henry. If Lamar can run even at 70%, it opens up the entire playbook.
2. T.J. Watt’s Health
If Watt plays and is anywhere close to full strength, he’s a game-wrecker. He can blow up running plays and get to the quarterback. If he’s out or limited, the Ravens’ offensive line can dominate.
3. Steelers’ Mental State
Did the Browns loss break them, or will it fuel them? This is a veteran team with playoff experience, but losing to a 3-12 Browns team is demoralizing.
4. Crowd Noise at Acrisure Stadium
This will be LOUD. Primetime. Sunday Night Football. AFC North title on the line. The Pittsburgh crowd will be a factor, especially on Ravens offensive plays.
5. Weather
Pittsburgh in early January. Could be cold, could be wet, could be snowing. Weather favors the team that can run the ball.
Advantage: Ravens with Derrick Henry
Historical Context: The Rivalry
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is the best in the NFL. Both teams know it. The players know it. The fans know it.
Key Stats:
- Steelers lead all-time regular season series 37-27
- Ravens have won AFC North in 2023 and 2024
- Steelers last won division in 2020
- This is the first season finale for the division title
Recent History:
- Week 14: Steelers 27, Ravens 22 (at Baltimore)
- 2024 Season: Ravens swept the series
- 2023 Season: Split 1-1
The Narrative: The Steelers want to reclaim the division after losing it two straight years to Baltimore. The Ravens want to prove they’re still the class of the AFC North despite a disappointing 8-8 regular season.
What to Watch For
First Quarter
- Does Lamar Jackson start? And if so, how does he look?
- Can Derrick Henry establish the run early?
- How does Aaron Rodgers respond after the Browns disaster?
Second Quarter
- Red zone execution for both teams (both have struggled lately)
- Time of possession battle
- Turnover margin (critical in a low-scoring game)
Third Quarter
- Which team makes halftime adjustments?
- Can the Steelers stop Derrick Henry in the second half?
Fourth Quarter
- Who can finish? (Ravens have blown leads, Steelers lost to Browns)
- Clock management
- Special teams execution
- THE MOMENT
This game will be decided in the fourth quarter. It always is in Ravens-Steelers games.
Coaching Matchup: Harbaugh vs. Tomlin
John Harbaugh (Ravens):
- 16 seasons with Ravens
- 1 Super Bowl (2012)
- 168-98 regular season record
- 13-10 in playoffs
- 4 AFC North titles (would be 5 with a win)
Mike Tomlin (Steelers):
- 19 seasons with Steelers
- 1 Super Bowl (2008)
- 188-109-2 regular season record
- 8-11 in playoffs
- 7 AFC North titles (would be 8 with a win)
Both coaches are on the hot seat after disappointing seasons. Harbaugh faced questions about his job security earlier this year. Tomlin is under pressure to win a playoff game for the first time since 2016.
The Question: Does this game serve as a “referendum” on their job security?
Harbaugh’s response: “There’s always pressure, but I think it was Billie Jean King who said, ‘pressure is a privilege,’ right?”
Translation: “Bring it on.”
The Bottom Line: One Game, Winner Takes All
After 17 weeks and 271 games, the NFL regular season comes down to this:
Game 272: Ravens @ Steelers
One game.
Winner takes the AFC North and goes to the playoffs.
Loser goes home.
No tiebreakers. No scenarios. No help needed.
Just pure, simple, beautiful football.
The greatest rivalry in the AFC.
Under the Sunday Night Football lights.
For the division crown.
In January.
In Pittsburgh.
This is what we live for.
How to Watch
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Time: 8:20 PM ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: NBC (Sunday Night Football)
Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)
Weather Forecast: 35°F, partly cloudy, 10% chance of precipitation, wind 8 mph
For Ravens Fans: This is Your Super Bowl
Let’s be real: the Ravens were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender this season. Instead, they limped to 8-8, dealt with injuries to Lamar Jackson all year, blew fourth-quarter leads, and needed a miracle Browns upset just to get one more game.
But here we are.
One game for everything.
Win and the season is redeemed. Win and Derrick Henry’s historic performance means something. Win and the Ravens are back in the playoffs for the third straight year.
Lose and it’s all for nothing. Lose and the Derrick Henry era in Baltimore might be over after one year. Lose and this becomes one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
But you know what?
The Ravens showed us Saturday night at Lambeau Field what they’re capable of when everything clicks. They dominated a playoff-bound Packers team on the road. Derrick Henry set an NFL record. Tyler Huntley was flawless. The defense made plays.
That version of the Ravens can beat ANYBODY—including the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
One. More. Game.
Game Week Schedule & Injury Reports
Ravens Injury Report (as of Monday)
Questionable:
- QB Lamar Jackson (back) – “to be determined,” more info Wednesday
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (shoulder)
- LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle)
All Others: Expected to play
Steelers Injury Report (as of Monday)
Out:
- WR DK Metcalf (suspended – game 2 of 2)
- TE Darnell Washington (broken arm)
Questionable:
- OLB T.J. Watt (partially collapsed lung) – “optimistic” for return
- WR Calvin Austin III (hamstring)
- T Zach Tom (back/knee)
All Others: Expected to play
Practice Schedule
Wednesday: First full practice, Lamar Jackson’s status will be clearer
Thursday: Second practice
Friday: Final practice before travel
Saturday: Travel to Pittsburgh, light walkthrough
Sunday: Game Day
The Defining Question: Can the Ravens Win in Pittsburgh When It Matters Most?
The Ravens are historically good at winning regular season games. They’re 76-30 in games Lamar Jackson starts.
But in big moments? On the road? In hostile environments when everything is on the line?
That’s where questions remain.
Playoff Record Since 2018: 5-5
Road Playoff Record: 1-3
AFC Championship Game Appearances: 1 (lost to Chiefs 17-10 in 2023)
Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium will answer this question once and for all:
Can this Ravens team win when it truly matters?
We’re about to find out.
Final Thoughts
271 games down. One game to go.
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will meet under the Sunday Night Football lights for the right to call themselves AFC North Champions.
Lamar Jackson will likely play through pain. Derrick Henry will carry the ball 30+ times. Aaron Rodgers will try to prove he’s still got it at age 42.
It will be physical. It will be emotional. It will be everything a rivalry game should be.
And at the end of the night, one team will celebrate an AFC North title and a home playoff game.
The other team will go home and start planning for next year.
This is Ravens-Steelers.
This is Win or Go Home.
This is Game 272.
Kickoff: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 8:20 PM ET
🏈 #RavensFlock #SteelersNation #AFCNorth #WinAndIn
For the Home Game That Could Have Been: Harbor Park Garage
The Ravens won’t be playing at home this Sunday—they’re heading to Pittsburgh for the game of their lives.
But if you’re a Ravens fan in Baltimore who wants to gather with fellow fans to watch the game, or if the Ravens win and host a home playoff game in a few weeks, remember where to park:
Harbor Park Garage: Your Home for Ravens Games
Just $18 All-Day Parking:
- 15-minute walk to Inner Harbor sports bars
- 5-minute Uber to M&T Bank Stadium (if Ravens host playoff game)
- Unlimited in/out access
- Safe, secure, 24/7 facility
- Central location for pre/post-game activities
For Playoff Games (If Ravens Win): The Ravens would host a Wild Card playoff game on January 11-12, 2026 at M&T Bank Stadium. When that game gets scheduled, Harbor Park Garage will be your best bet for stress-free parking.
Reserve Your Spot: harborparkgarage.com/parking-nearby/stadium-lot/baltimore-ravens/
Harbor Park Garage
55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-0888
Open 24/7
One More Game.
One More Chance.
Everything on the Line.
Let’s Go Ravens.
🏈 #BeatPittsburgh #AFCNorthChampions #RavensFlock