![\"NFL:](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/27767203.jpg\")
Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball while defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nSunday marks the fourth time in seven seasons that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens close the regular season against one another.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The stakes haven’t been higher than they are for this Week 18 clash.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Pittsburgh (9-7) can clinch the AFC North title with a win or tie, while Baltimore (8-8) takes the division crown with a victory. There’s no wild-card consolation prize for the team that doesn’t take the division.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “We need to play smart but not play timid,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Baltimore did just that in order to stay in the hunt for its third straight AFC North championship. The Ravens rebounded from a 1-5 start with a five-game winning streak after their bye.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n While Baltimore is just 2-3 since Thanksgiving — including a home loss to Pittsburgh on Dec. 7 — the Steelers’ recent scuffles have created an opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n A victory last week over a 3-12 Cleveland Browns squad would have clinched Pittsburgh’s first division title since 2020. But the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled to find a rhythm offensively with top wide receiver DK Metcalf serving the first of a two-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the NFL.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Tight end Darnell Washington suffered a broken arm in the first half of the 13-6 defeat and has been placed on injured reserve. Wideout Calvin Austin III (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the Browns game while linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) also was a limited participant.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back contusion) practiced Wednesday after missing last week’s victory in Green Bay. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said he’s “very optimistic” Jackson will be ready to play.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n He shares similar sentiment about the entire Ravens locker room.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “I think this team has a lot of character, a lot of grit, a lot of toughness,” Harbaugh said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Steelers counterpart Mike Tomlin acknowledged the disappointment of missing the chance to earn a playoff berth last week, but said he has “learned to always move forward” and that “frustration doesn’t get the job done.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Tomlin added: “It’s an honor to be in these games, to be in these hotly contested matchups. It seems like Baltimore is always a dance partner. I’m respectful and appreciative of that relationship and some of the historic things we’ve been able to do when these two teams have come together.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “It’s humbling and an honor to be a component of it. But to be a component of it is just that. Our job is to win.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Doing so would ensure Rodgers at least one more game with Pittsburgh. The 42-year-old veteran, who joined the Steelers on a one-year deal, said he preferred not to discuss his looming decision whether to retire or continue playing.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “I’ve enjoyed this experience,” Rodgers said, “and everybody in Pittsburgh has been fantastic to me on and off the field. … What I was hoping for from this experience, it’s been even better.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Visiting Pittsburgh edged Baltimore 27-22 in Week 14, prevailing despite a big afternoon from the Ravens’ ground game. Baltimore rushed for 217 yards (5.4 yards per carry) as Derrick Henry led the attack with 94 yards on 25 attempts.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Rodgers went 23-for-34 for 284 yards and a touchdown pass to Jaylen Warren that stretched the lead to 27-16 late in the third quarter. Metcalf contributed seven catches for 148 yards, both season highs in his first campaign with the Steelers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n –Field Level Media<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n