This Week 18 showdown between the Ravens and Steelers is one of the most pivotal games of the regular season — essentially a win-and-you’re-in for the AFC postseason. A Ravens victory puts them atop the division thanks to a tiebreaker and sends them to the playoffs, while a Steelers win secures the AFC North and ends Baltimore’s season.
Ravens vs. Steelers Game Day Information
- 📅 Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- ⏰ Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
- 📍 Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
- 📺 TV: NBC/Peacock
Opening line: Ravens -4.5/Steelers +4.5
Season Context & Stakes
After a back-and-forth season in the AFC North, these rivals enter the finale separated by just one game. Pittsburgh sits at 9-7, while Baltimore is 8-8 and must win to force a tie and take the division by virtue of a better divisional record. Both teams are battle-tested and have traded momentum throughout 2025, making this climactic matchup feel like a playoff game itself.
Key Player Notes
Baltimore Ravens
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QB Lamar Jackson: The multi-dimensional star has thrown for 2,311+ yards and added significant run production this season, anchoring Baltimore’s offense.
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RB Derrick Henry: A bruising force on the ground, Henry ranks among the league’s top rushers and will be critical in controlling tempo and keeping Pittsburgh’s defense honest.
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WR Zay Flowers: Baltimore’s top receiving threat has hit 1,000+ receiving yards on the year, creating big-play opportunities.
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Injury Impact: WR Rashod Bateman (ILL) and DT Taven Bryan (OUT) are out for this game, which could limit some depth on offense and along the defensive line.
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Depth Moves: Baltimore has elevated DB Amani Oruwariye and WR Keith Kirkwood for depth in this key contest.
Pittsburgh Steelers
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QB Aaron Rodgers: The veteran signal-caller leads the Steelers offense, though he’s playing through a broken wrist — a storyline that adds intrigue to this rivalry clash.
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RB Kenneth Gainwell: Pittsburgh’s 2025 Team MVP leads the offense with explosive plays both on the ground and in the passing game, tallying 527 rushing yards and 422 receiving yards with seven total TDs.
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Injuries & Absences: Wideout DK Metcalf (suspension) and TE Darnell Washington (broken arm, IR) leave gaps in the pass game, though Pittsburgh has elevated DB D’Shawn Jamison for depth.
Offensive & Defensive Matchups
Ravens offense vs. Steelers defense: Baltimore’s strength comes through a balanced, explosive attack that mixes Jackson’s dual-threat ability with Henry’s ground dominance. They rank highly in rushing and red-zone efficiency, and their explosive playmaking is a threat to any defense.
Steelers offense vs. Ravens defense: Pittsburgh’s offense will lean on Rodgers’ veteran savvy and Gainwell’s versatility while compensating for key pass-game absences. The Steelers defense — with a strong turnover differential and opportunistic style — will look to force mistakes and tilt field position in their favor.
Public Betting Tickets
Numbers update frequently — check the latest on the NFL public betting chart and learn usage basics in our public betting guide.
Recent Series & Trends
This rivalry is one of the NFL’s most storied — Pittsburgh holds the all-time edge and has been particularly tough at home in season finales and divisional games.
Baltimore, however, has battled back in recent weeks and boasts a solid road record, especially in high-pressure games. Previous matchups this year have been competitive, including a regular-season win by the Steelers that has major implications heading into this finale.
Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction
Expect physical football from start to finish — close trenches, clock control on the ground, and decisive defensive stands. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking paired with Henry’s ground game gives Baltimore an edge, but Pittsburgh’s home crowd and Rodgers’ grit cannot be overlooked. This one could come down to a late fourth-quarter drive.
Final Score Projection:
Ravens 23 — Steelers 20
Look for Baltimore to make just enough key plays in crunch time to steal the division on the road and send Pittsburgh home.
The Pick: Steelers +3.5
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