The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens in a winner-take-all game for the AFC North title and the final playoff spot on Sunday night. Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib warned that the Steelers have 'no chance' if Ravens running back Derrick Henry's hot streak persists. With key injuries on both sides, the outcome hinges on defensive performances and offensive execution.
The AFC North division title and the conference's last playoff berth are on the line when the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) face the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, December 31, 2025, at 8:20 p.m. ET. A win or tie clinches the division for Pittsburgh, while Baltimore needs a victory to advance, per NFL playoff scenarios.
Derrick Henry has been dominant for the Ravens, rushing for 216 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, following 128 yards and two scores in Week 16. He previously tormented the Steelers, gaining 94 yards on 25 carries in their earlier 2025 matchup and 186 yards with two touchdowns in last season's playoff loss. Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib, on The Arena podcast, stated, “If the Ravens come out and that o-line and Derrick Henry run the ball the way they did in Green Bay against a solid rush defense, Pittsburgh has no chance. I’ve gotta ride with the Ravens. At this time of the year, they just want it a little more, in my opinion.”
Pittsburgh bolstered its run defense with draft pick Derrick Harmon, who missed the first Ravens game but could impact this matchup. However, the Steelers are without tight end Darnell Washington, who underwent arm surgery and is expected to miss the playoffs even if they advance. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism about edge rusher T.J. Watt (lung), absent for three games: “We’ll work him up over the course of the week, and let the amount of participation and quality of participation be our guide.”
The Ravens won convincingly without quarterback Lamar Jackson in Week 17, but his back injury leaves his status undetermined, per coach John Harbaugh. Pittsburgh, coming off a loss to Cleveland, aims to avoid another early playoff exit against Baltimore, who ended their 2024 season. This rivalry game could define both teams' postseason fates, with Henry's ground attack testing Pittsburgh's revamped defense amid injury challenges.
