The Baltimore Ravens took advantage of a balanced attack on offense and two Russell Wilson turnovers to take down the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-17, and keep their AFC North hopes alive.
With the win, the Ravens clinch a postseason berth for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.
Baltimore had 418 total yards and went 3-of-5 in the red zone.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was 15-of-23 for 207 yards with three TDs and one interception. WR Zay Flowers led the team with 100 receiving yards. This 49-yard strike to Flowers on third down gave Baltimore a crucial first down up 31-17 with around eight minutes remaining in the game.
After losing eight of the last nine and four in a row to Pittsburgh, Saturday’s win showed what the Ravens are capable of when both sides of the ball are clicking. The only downside for the Ravens came when RB Justice Hill exited the game due to a concussion after landing hard on his head at the end of a 25-yard run in the second quarter. Depending on when Hill can return, Henry could have an increased workload as the Ravens pursue the division title.
While Steelers QB Russell Wilson was solid with 217 passing yards and two TDs, a pair of turnovers from Wilson proved costly. In addition to the pick-six, Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington knocked the ball loose from Wilson inside the five-yard line, which gave the ball back to Baltimore with the game tied, 7-7, early in the second quarter.
After failing to score a TD in their 18-16 win over the Ravens in Week 11, it was the turnovers that were more troublesome for Pittsburgh on Saturday.
The Steelers (10-5) play a pair of home games against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. The Ravens (10-5) travel to Houston to face the Texans on Christmas Day and finish at home against the Cleveland Browns.
With Pittsburgh and Baltimore tied atop the AFC North, the stakes are high as only two games are remaining for both teams and home-field advantage is on the line for the division winner on Super Wild Card Weekend.