The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 27-22 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, taking a one-game lead in the AFC North. DK Metcalf starred with seven catches for 148 yards before experiencing stomach pains that led to a precautionary hospital visit in Baltimore. The Ravens contested several officiating calls, including an admitted error on a penalty against defensive tackle Travis Jones.
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 7-6 with a hard-fought 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, gaining control of the AFC North standings and a key tiebreaker advantage. Aaron Rodgers threw for 284 yards, with DK Metcalf hauling in seven receptions for a game-high 148 yards, marking season bests for the wide receiver in his first year with Pittsburgh after a March trade from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf's performance included a 52-yard catch on the game's opening play, setting an early tone for the Steelers' offense.
Post-game, concerns arose when Metcalf experienced stomach pains during the team's flight home. Out of caution, Steelers personnel returned him to Baltimore, where he visited a local hospital and spent the night in a hotel. The team confirmed he avoided serious issues and planned his return to Pittsburgh on Monday, with his status for Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins to be monitored.
The Ravens, now 6-7, expressed frustration over officiating. In a rare admission, the NFL acknowledged a first-half unnecessary roughness penalty on Travis Jones was incorrect; the contact with the long snapper did not warrant the flag, which nullified a field goal and gifted Pittsburgh a first down they converted into a touchdown. Coach John Harbaugh also questioned the overturning of Isaiah Likely's touchdown catch and a reversed Aaron Rodgers interception, calling catch rules 'as clear as mud.' A late holding penalty on the Steelers' final punt further hampered Baltimore's game-winning drive, starting them at their own 26-yard line instead of the 44.
Despite 217 rushing yards led by Derrick Henry, the Ravens' offense faltered in the red zone, scoring zero touchdowns on three fourth-quarter trips inside Pittsburgh's 20. Harbaugh took responsibility for a communication breakdown on a third-and-2 play following the Likely reversal. The Steelers' defense limited Lamar Jackson to two sacks and an interception by James Pierre, preserving the win.
This victory pushes Pittsburgh over .500, aiding coach Mike Tomlin's streak of avoiding a losing season in his 19-year tenure. Metcalf leads the team with 52 receptions, 753 yards, and five touchdowns through 13 games. For Baltimore, the loss heightens pressure with four games left, including tough matchups against the Bengals, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers.
