Ravens’ Heartbreak as Steelers Clinch AFC North in Dramatic Season Finale
In what could be described as the most thrilling contest of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the AFC North title in heart-stopping fashion as Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential walk-off field goal in the closing seconds. The miss not only sealed the division for Pittsburgh but also ended Baltimore’s playoff hopes in a game that featured an incredible 27 points in the fourth quarter alone. The dramatic conclusion capped a season of struggles for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who despite his difficulties throughout the year, delivered perhaps the most spectacular performance of his career when it mattered most.
The fourth quarter showcased Jackson at his brilliant best, highlighting what could have been a storybook ending for Baltimore. Midway through the quarter and trailing by three points, Jackson executed what might be considered the defining play of his career. Facing third-and-4 from midfield, he masterfully evaded a sack before launching a perfect pass to Zay Flowers, who caught it in stride for a touchdown that gave the Ravens a 17-13 lead. The Steelers responded with composure, orchestrating an eight-play drive culminating in a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown to reclaim the lead at 20-17 with just under four minutes remaining. Not to be outdone, Jackson connected with Flowers once more on a breathtaking 64-yard touchdown pass, putting Baltimore ahead 24-20 with only 2:20 left on the clock.
The drama intensified as the Steelers quickly moved across midfield. On third-and-10, 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin wide open for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 55 seconds remaining. A missed extra point by Chris Boswell kept the Steelers’ lead at just two points, seemingly opening the door for Baltimore. The Ravens advanced to their own 47-yard line with all three timeouts intact, creating a golden opportunity for a comeback. After an illegal formation penalty and two incompletions, Jackson faced a crucial fourth-and-7. In a moment of brilliance, he launched a prayer downfield that Isaiah Likely remarkably high-pointed for an incredible catch. Jackson then took a knee to center the ball for what should have been a straightforward field goal attempt, but Loop’s kick sailed wide right, leaving the Ravens devastated as the Steelers celebrated.
The game’s early action set the stage for the later dramatics, with Baltimore initially seizing control. Jackson connected with Devontez Walker on a 38-yard touchdown pass to take an early lead, and the Ravens extended their advantage to 10-0 with a field goal early in the second quarter. Pittsburgh responded with a field goal of their own but missed an opportunity to add points before halftime. Despite benefiting from a defensive penalty that placed them at the 2-yard line with two seconds remaining in the half, the Steelers opted for a touchdown attempt rather than a field goal. The decision initially appeared costly as Kenneth Gainwell was stopped short of the goal line as time expired.
The Steelers regrouped after halftime, tying the game at 10 with a touchdown on their opening possession of the third quarter. The momentum continued to shift in their favor when T.J. Watt, playing his first game since suffering a collapsed lung, intercepted a batted ball at the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh capitalized on the turnover with a field goal to take their first lead of the contest, setting the stage for the wild fourth-quarter finish that would ultimately decide the AFC North championship and the playoff fates of both teams.
The victory completed a remarkable season for the Steelers under head coach Mike Tomlin, who had faced significant criticism from the fan base earlier in the year. Led by the ageless Rodgers, Pittsburgh finished with a 10-7 record and earned the right to host the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. For the Ravens and Jackson, the loss represented a crushing end to a season that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in the most painful way imaginable – with a missed kick that would have extended their season and dashed their rivals’ championship hopes.
