The roar inside M&T Bank Stadium hit different on this January afternoon.
Ravens fans sensed something special coming. Steelers supporters hoped their team could silence the crowd early.
Neither fanbase had to wait long to see which way this playoff game would go.
Baltimore took the opening kickoff. What happened next set the tone for everything that followed.
The Ravens marched down the field like they owned it. Ninety-five yards.
Thirteen plays. Seven minutes and fifteen seconds of pure offensive domination.
This wasn’t just another game between two AFC North rivals. This was the latest chapter in one of football’s most physical, most heated, most unpredictable rivalries.
The Steelers vs Ravens history goes back decades, filled with bone-crushing hits, overtime thrillers, and games that decided division titles.
But this January 11, 2025 meeting? This one felt different from the opening drive.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats

First Quarter: Baltimore Sets the Tone
The Ravens came out executing their game plan with surgical precision.
Derrick Henry lined up in the backfield next to Lamar Jackson. The Steelers knew what was coming. They just couldn’t stop it.
On the fourth play of the opening drive, Baltimore showed Pittsburgh something they hadn’t seen before.
Henry took a direct snap from center while Jackson faked a sweep across the formation. The Steelers defense bit hard on the fake.
Henry kept the ball and exploded through the line. Thirty-four yards later, Baltimore was in Pittsburgh territory. The Steelers defense looked confused and a step slow.
The drive continued methodically. Run after run. Jackson is keeping the defense honest with his legs. Then came third and 13 from the 15-yard line—a situation that usually favors the defense.
Jackson rolled right under pressure. He spotted Rashod Bateman breaking toward the back corner of the end zone. The throw was perfect. Bateman secured it for the touchdown. Seven-zero Ravens.
Pittsburgh’s offense took the field and immediately went three-and-out. The Steelers couldn’t get anything going.
First Quarter Summary:
| Category | Pittsburgh | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 0 | 7 |
| Total Yards | 18 | 112 |
| First Downs | 1 | 6 |
| Rush Yards | 4 | 89 |
| Pass Yards | 14 | 23 |
The first fifteen minutes belonged entirely to Baltimore. Pittsburgh looked overwhelmed.
Second Quarter: The Game Slips Away
Mike Tomlin faced a crucial decision early in the second quarter. Fourth and inches at his own 29-yard line. The conservative coach chose to punt.
That decision haunts Steelers fans to this day.
Baltimore took over and put together another long, grinding drive. This time they went 85 yards. Fourteen plays. All runs. Not a single pass attempt.
The Steelers defense couldn’t get off the field. They tried stacking the box. They tried different alignments. Nothing worked. Henry and Jackson took turns battering Pittsburgh’s front seven.
Henry capped the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Fourteen-zero Ravens with 4:09 left in the half.
Pittsburgh finally showed some life on offense. Russell Wilson hit George Pickens for a couple of first downs. The Steelers drove into Baltimore territory.
Then the drive stalled. Pittsburgh faced another fourth down decision. Tomlin punted again.
The Ravens took over with 2:05 remaining. They just needed to run out the clock and take a two-touchdown lead into halftime.
Baltimore had other plans.
They drove to the 5-yard line with 11 seconds left. Tomlin burned his final timeout hoping to force a field goal attempt.
Jackson took the snap. Immediate pressure came from his left. He drifted right. More defenders closing in. He stepped back left. Steelers rushers flying past him.
For 6.31 seconds, Jackson danced. He kept the play alive through pure instinct and athleticism. Finally, with defenders all around him, he dumped a short pass to Justice Hill standing alone in the flat.
Hill caught it and walked into the end zone. Two seconds on the clock. Twenty-one to zero Ravens.
The halftime numbers told the story of complete domination.
Second Quarter Summary:
| Category | Pittsburgh | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 0 | 14 |
| Total Yards | 42 | 196 |
| First Downs | 1 | 13 |
| Time of Possession | 5:22 | 9:38 |
| Third Down Conversions | 0/3 | 6/7 |
Halftime Stats:
| Category | Pittsburgh | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 0 | 21 |
| Total Yards | 60 | 308 |
| First Downs | 2 | 19 |
| Rush Yards | 11 | 198 |
| Pass Yards | 49 | 110 |
Pittsburgh trudged to the locker room down three touchdowns. Their fans sat in stunned silence. This wasn’t how playoff games were supposed to go for a Steelers team that had won eleven games.
Third Quarter: Pittsburgh Shows Fight, But It’s Not Enough
The Steelers came out of halftime desperate to make something happen. Wilson and the passing game finally found rhythm.
Pittsburgh marched 98 yards down the field. Wilson made several impressive throws under pressure. He hit Van Jefferson on a 30-yard touchdown strike to cut the deficit to 21-7.
For the first time all game, Steelers fans had hope.
That hope lasted exactly one possession.
Baltimore took over at their own 56-yard line. First and 10. Henry got the handoff heading left. Joey Porter Jr. tried to fill the gap. Henry accelerated through it like Porter wasn’t there.
Patrick Queen approached from the second level. He missed the tackle completely. Henry reached the open field with nothing but grass in front of him.
Forty-four yards later, he was in the end zone. Twenty-eight to seven Ravens.
The big fella wasn’t done celebrating. At 31 years old, carrying 26 times already in the game, Henry showed he still had elite speed to go with that power.
Pittsburgh wouldn’t quit though. Wilson drove them 75 yards on the next possession. He found Pickens down the right sideline for a 36-yard touchdown. Pickens caught it in stride and outran the safety to the end zone.
Twenty-eight to fourteen with 3:24 left in the third quarter. Game back on?
Not really.
Third Quarter Summary:
| Category | Pittsburgh | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 14 | 7 |
| Total Yards | 173 | 91 |
| First Downs | 7 | 5 |
| Rush Yards | 12 | 63 |
| Pass Yards | 161 | 28 |
Pittsburgh had scored twice and gained quality yardage. But they still trailed by two touchdowns and hadn’t stopped Baltimore’s rushing attack at all.
Fourth Quarter: Baltimore Closes the Door
The final fifteen minutes belonged to ball control and defense.
Pittsburgh drove into Baltimore territory one more time. This was their last real chance to make it a one-score game.
Second and 8 from midfield. Wilson dropped back. Nnamdi Madubuike batted the pass down at the line of scrimmage.
Third and 8. Wilson in the pocket again. Madubuike blew past his blocker and sacked Wilson for a loss of seven yards.
Pittsburgh punted. That was their final legitimate scoring threat.
Baltimore took over and ran the clock. Henry and Jackson kept getting first downs. The Steelers defense was gassed. They’d been on the field for nearly 40 minutes.
The Ravens didn’t score again. They didn’t need to.
Fourth Quarter Summary:
| Category | Pittsburgh | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 0 | 0 |
| Total Yards | 47 | 65 |
| First Downs | 1 | 5 |
| Time of Possession | 6:48 | 8:12 |
The final whistle blew. Baltimore won 28-14. The scoreboard made it look closer than it actually was.
Complete Team Statistics
Here’s the full breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats that tell the story of this playoff blowout:
Overall Team Stats:
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Baltimore Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 14 | 28 |
| Total Yards | 280 | 464 |
| Total Plays | 45 | 72 |
| Yards Per Play | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| First Downs | 11 | 29 |
| Time of Possession | 20:27 | 39:33 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties | 7-41 | 3-14 |
| Third Down Conversions | 5/11 (45.5%) | 10/15 (66.7%) |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Passing Statistics:
| Team | Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | Russell Wilson | 20/29 | 270 | 2 | 0 | 4-19 | 121.3 |
| PIT | Justin Fields | 0/1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| PIT Team | 20/30 | 251 | 2 | 0 | 4-19 | 117.4 | |
| BAL | Lamar Jackson | 16/21 | 175 | 2 | 0 | 1-10 | 132.0 |
| BAL Team | 16/21 | 165 | 2 | 0 | 1-10 | 132.0 |
Rushing Statistics:
| Team | Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | Najee Harris | 6 | 17 | 2.8 | 0 | 5 |
| PIT | Jaylen Warren | 2 | 6 | 3.0 | 0 | 4 |
| PIT | Russell Wilson | 3 | 6 | 2.0 | 0 | 5 |
| PIT Team | 11 | 29 | 2.6 | 0 | 5 | |
| BAL | Derrick Henry | 26 | 186 | 7.2 | 2 | 44 |
| BAL | Lamar Jackson | 15 | 81 | 5.4 | 0 | 20 |
| BAL | Steven Sims | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 15 |
| BAL | Justice Hill | 6 | 12 | 2.0 | 0 | 5 |
| BAL Team | 50 | 299 | 6.0 | 2 | 44 |
Receiving Statistics:
| Team | Player | Rec | Targets | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | George Pickens | 5 | 5 | 87 | 17.4 | 1 | 36 |
| PIT | Najee Harris | 3 | 3 | 41 | 13.7 | 0 | 21 |
| PIT | Van Jefferson | 2 | 2 | 37 | 18.5 | 1 | 30 |
| PIT | Mike Williams | 1 | 2 | 37 | 37.0 | 0 | 37 |
| PIT | Calvin Austin III | 1 | 2 | 25 | 25.0 | 0 | 25 |
| BAL | Isaiah Likely | 3 | 4 | 53 | 17.7 | 0 | 25 |
| BAL | Mark Andrews | 2 | 3 | 27 | 13.5 | 0 | 20 |
| BAL | Rashod Bateman | 2 | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 1 | 15 |
| BAL | Justice Hill | 4 | 4 | 13 | 3.3 | 1 | 7 |
Defensive Statistics:
| Team | Player | Total | Solo | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | Elandon Roberts | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | Patrick Queen | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | Cameron Heyward | 10 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | Minkah Fitzpatrick | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | Alex Highsmith | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| BAL | Ar’Darius Washington | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| BAL | Roquan Smith | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| BAL | Nnamdi Madubuike | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| BAL | Odafe Oweh | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| BAL | Michael Pierce | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Special Teams:
| Team | Player | Position | FG | XP | Punts | Avg | Returns | Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | Chris Boswell | K | 0/0 | 2/2 | – | – | – | – |
| PIT | Corliss Waitman | P | – | – | 5 | 51.4 | – | – |
| PIT | C. Patterson | KR | – | – | – | – | 1 | 26 |
| BAL | Justin Tucker | K | 0/0 | 4/4 | – | – | – | – |
| BAL | Jordan Stout | P | – | – | 4 | 45.8 | – | – |
Baltimore’s Rushing Explosion: Breaking Records
The 299 rushing yards Baltimore posted weren’t just impressive. They were historic.
No team had rushed for that many yards against Pittsburgh in a playoff game since 1973. The Raiders gained 232 yards over fifty years ago. Baltimore shattered that mark by 67 yards.
Derrick Henry carried the load with 186 yards on 26 attempts. That’s 7.2 yards per carry against a Steelers defense that prided itself on stopping the run.
Lamar Jackson added 81 yards on 15 carries. Together, they combined for 267 rushing yards—the second-highest total by a quarterback-running back duo in playoff history.
For fans checking the Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats today, those rushing numbers jump off the page.
Henry forced 12 missed tackles. He gained 157 yards after contact. He broke tackles from linebackers, juked safeties, and outran cornerbacks.
The offensive line created massive holes. Tyler Linderbaum at center dominated his matchup. The guards pulled and sealed the edges. The tackles maintained their blocks for five, six, and seven seconds.
Pittsburgh had no answers. They tried eight-man boxes. They tried stunts and blitzes. Baltimore just kept running the same plays with the same success.
Pittsburgh’s Passing Effort: Wilson Stayed Competitive
Russell Wilson didn’t lose this game. His defense and running game did.
The veteran quarterback completed 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a 121.3 passer rating. Those are winning numbers in most playoff games.
Wilson connected with five different receivers. He threw accurately under pressure. He made several impressive throws into tight windows.
His 36-yard touchdown to George Pickens showcased the arm strength he still possesses at age 36. The throw traveled 48 yards in the air and dropped perfectly over Pickens’ shoulder.
According to the Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats ESPN, Wilson’s completion percentage on throws over 15 yards was 62.5%. He pushed the ball downfield when given time.
The problem? He got sacked four times. The pocket collapsed regularly. Pittsburgh couldn’t run the ball at all, which allowed Baltimore to pin their ears back and rush the passer.
Wilson also spent most of the game watching from the sideline. Pittsburgh ran just 45 offensive plays. Baltimore controlled possession for 39 minutes and 33 seconds.
Hard to win when your offense never touches the ball.
Derrick Henry: The King Still Reigns
Twenty-six carries. One hundred eighty-six yards. Two touchdowns.
At 31 years old, in a playoff game, against a top-ten defense, Derrick Henry looked like he was in his prime.
His 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter will replay on highlight reels forever. He took the handoff, hit the hole, broke through Porter Jr.’s tackle attempt, made Queen miss completely, and accelerated to a speed that no 247-pound back should reach.
This performance marked Henry’s second-highest rushing total in playoff history. Five years earlier to the exact day, he rushed for 195 yards in this same stadium as a Tennessee Titan, beating these same Ravens.
Now wearing purple and black, he got his revenge and set a Ravens franchise playoff rushing record.
Henry tied Terrell Davis for most playoff games with at least 150 rushing yards (four each). He’s the only player ever to rush for 180+ yards against the same opponent in playoff games while wearing different uniforms.
The power remains elite. The vision stays sharp. The speed hasn’t diminished. Baltimore’s offseason investment paid massive dividends.
Lamar Jackson: Complete Quarterback Performance
Two hundred fifty-six total yards. Two passing touchdowns. Zero interceptions. Zero fumbles.
Lamar Jackson posted his most complete playoff performance. He completed 76% of his passes. He averaged 8.3 yards per attempt. He ran for 81 yards when Baltimore needed him to.
The scramble before the Justice Hill touchdown showed everything special about Jackson. For 6.31 seconds, he kept that play alive through pure athleticism and awareness.
Defenders flew past him. He stayed calm, kept his eyes downfield, and found the open man.
Jackson improved to 3-4 in playoff games. Critics still question whether he can win the big one. Performances like this suggest he absolutely can.
He didn’t force throws into coverage. He took what the defense gave him. He protected the football. He made plays with his legs when passing lanes closed.
Baltimore’s offense runs through him. When he plays this efficiently and avoids mistakes, the Ravens become incredibly difficult to beat.
Russell Wilson: Veteran Savvy Wasn’t Enough
Wilson threw for 270 yards on 69% completion. He tossed two touchdowns with zero interceptions.
In a losing effort, those numbers demonstrate his continued NFL-caliber ability.
The veteran quarterback made several impressive throws under heavy pressure. His connection with George Pickens developed throughout the game. He hit tight windows to Najee Harris out of the backfield.
Wilson’s arm strength remains intact at 36. The deep ball accuracy hasn’t faded. His ability to read defenses pre-snap helped Pittsburgh convert third downs.
But four sacks told another story. Wilson held the ball too long on some plays. The offensive line failed to protect others. Baltimore’s pass rush generated constant pressure.
The Steelers couldn’t establish any run game, which put everything on Wilson’s shoulders. That’s a tough ask in a playoff environment against a defense playing with confidence.
George Pickens: Pittsburgh’s Only Consistent Threat
Five receptions on five targets. Eighty-seven yards. One touchdown.
George Pickens caught everything thrown his way. He beat press coverage. He made contested catches. He created separation on his routes.
The 36-yard touchdown in the third quarter showcased his elite talent. He ran a post route, got behind the corner, caught the ball in stride, and outran the closing safety.
Pickens drew constant double teams in the second half. Baltimore bracketed him with a cornerback and safety on most plays. He still found ways to get open.
The young receiver continues developing into one of Pittsburgh’s most dangerous weapons. In a game where most things went wrong for the Steelers, Pickens represented the bright spot.
Nnamdi Madubuike: Game-Sealing Performance
Two sacks. One pass deflection. Four total tackles. Multiple quarterback hits.
Nnamdi Madubuike wrecked Pittsburgh’s final comeback attempt with back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter.
Second and 8 from midfield. Wilson dropped back. Madubuike batted the pass down at the line.
Third and 8. Wilson in the pocket again. Madubuike blew past his blocker and drove Wilson into the turf for a seven-yard loss.
Those two plays forced a punt and ended Pittsburgh’s last legitimate scoring threat.
The defensive tackle dominated his matchup all game. He controlled the A-gap. He collapsed the pocket on passing downs. He set the edge against runs.
Baltimore’s defense needed someone to make a critical stop in the fourth quarter. Madubuike delivered twice in consecutive plays.
Historical Context: Where This Ranks
When people search for Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats all time, this game will stand out for multiple reasons.
Baltimore’s 299 rushing yards shattered a 51-year-old playoff record against Pittsburgh. The previous mark was 232 yards by the Raiders in 1973. No team had come close since.
Pittsburgh’s playoff losing streak extended to six consecutive games. Their last postseason victory came January 15, 2017, when they beat Kansas City 18-16 without scoring an offensive touchdown.
The Steelers have averaged just 24.7 points per game during this losing streak while allowing 38.3 points. They’ve been outscored by an average of 13.6 points in each loss.
Baltimore’s first-half shutout was its first in the postseason since Super Bowl XXXV. They held Pittsburgh to 60 yards before halftime—complete defensive domination.
The Ravens vs Steelers 2025 Wild Card game demonstrated how far apart these two franchises currently stand. Baltimore looks like a Super Bowl contender. Pittsburgh looks like a team that needs major roster upgrades.
Looking ahead to potential Steelers vs Ravens 2026 matchups, Pittsburgh faces critical decisions. Do they bring back Russell Wilson? Do they rebuild the offensive line? How do they fix a rushing attack that gained 29 total yards?
Baltimore’s blueprint for beating Pittsburgh is now crystal clear: run the ball, control possession, pressure the quarterback, and let their defense make crucial stops.
Future Predictions: Where Does Each Team Go?
The Ravens vs Steelers prediction for future matchups heavily favors Baltimore based on this performance.
The Ravens advanced to the divisional round to face Buffalo. They’d already beaten the Bills 35-10 in Week 4, giving them confidence they could make a deep playoff run.
With Derrick Henry in the backfield, Lamar Jackson at quarterback, and a defense that can dominate when it matters, Baltimore looks built for championship contention.
Pittsburgh faces an uncertain offseason. Both Wilson and Justin Fields are free agents. The offensive line needs upgrades. The running game requires a complete overhaul. The defense, while talented, spent too much time on the field.
Mike Tomlin’s job security, once considered ironclad, now faces questions. Twelve playoff appearances in 18 seasons sounds impressive. Just three playoff wins since 2011? That’s concerning.
Making the playoffs without winning games might not satisfy ownership much longer.
For Baltimore, this victory validated their offseason moves. Signing Henry proved genius. Their offensive line investments paid off. The defense showed it can shut down quality opponents.
The path forward for these rivals looks dramatically different. One team appears ready to compete for titles. The other needs serious soul-searching about roster construction and offensive identity.
What This Game Represented?
The 28-14 final score doesn’t capture how dominant Baltimore truly was.
The Ravens controlled every meaningful statistic. They ran 72 plays to Pittsburgh’s 45. They held possession for nearly 40 minutes. They converted 66.7% of third downs. They averaged 6.0 yards per carry.
Pittsburgh couldn’t run the ball (29 total yards). They couldn’t protect their quarterback (four sacks, seven QB hits). They couldn’t sustain drives (11 first downs). They couldn’t stop the run (299 yards allowed).
This wasn’t a competitive playoff game. This was a statement by Baltimore that they’re legitimate championship contenders. This was a reminder to Pittsburgh that making the playoffs doesn’t equal being a playoff-caliber team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats from this matchup will be studied as an example of physical dominance, offensive line superiority, and perfect game plan execution.
For Ravens fans, this performance brought validation and excitement. For Steelers fans, it brought disappointment and serious concerns about their team’s direction.
The rivalry continues. But right now, one team clearly stands above the other. Baltimore dominated every aspect of this playoff game, announced their Super Bowl intentions, and sent Pittsburgh home with more questions than answers.
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Conclusion: Contrasting Approaches
This matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted two franchises at different stages of development.
The Ravens demonstrated why they’re considered legitimate contenders with a complete performance built around their devastating ground game, efficient passing, and opportunistic defense.
Their balanced approach allows them to control games through multiple avenues, depending on opponent vulnerabilities.
For the Steelers, this defeat illuminates clear areas requiring immediate attention.
Despite Russell Wilson’s efficient passing, the complete absence of a running game created a one-dimensional attack that proved insufficient against a quality opponent.
Defensively, their front seven’s struggles against Baltimore’s diverse rushing scheme raise concerns about their ability to compete against physical teams.
The 28-14 final score reflects Baltimore’s current advantage in this historic rivalry, though Pittsburgh showed enough resilience and potential to suggest future matchups could be more competitive with specific improvements.
As these teams continue their divisional competition, this game serves as a reference point for evaluating their development and adjustments in subsequent encounters.
