The AFC North enters 2025 as a study in contrasts. Baltimore is chasing a Super Bowl after back-to-back division titles
Few matchups in the NFL carry the weight of Steelers‑Ravens, but the 2025 season finale adds a layer of drama rarely seen in this rivalry. According to national reporting, the outcome of this game could influence the future of the losing coach — whether it’s Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin or Baltimore’s John Harbaugh.
Both teams enter Week 18 fighting for their postseason lives. The Steelers come in at 9–7, while the Ravens sit at 8–8, as confirmed by the official Baltimore Ravens game release. The winner claims the AFC North crown and hosts a playoff game. The loser is eliminated and faces an offseason of uncertainty.
The game airs January 4, 2026, in primetime on NBC, streaming on Peacock, with national radio coverage on Westwood One.
Tomlin vs. Harbaugh: Chapter 39 of a Classic Coaching Duel
This marks the 39th meeting between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, one of the most enduring coaching rivalries in modern football. Historically, Tomlin holds a 21–16 advantage over Harbaugh.
The matchup remains one of the most competitive and physical rivalries in league history, with both coaches known for gritty, defensive‑minded football and tightly contested games.
The NFL’s Most Physical Rivalry
1. 2008 AFC Championship – Steelers 23, Ravens 14
A brutal, defensive war with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Troy Polamalu’s legendary pick‑six sealed it — one of the rivalry’s defining plays.
2. 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff – Steelers 31, Ravens 24
A game of wild momentum swings. Pittsburgh erased a 21–7 deficit, capped by Ben Roethlisberger’s clutch strike to Antonio Brown (“the helmet catch” before the helmet catch).
3. 2014 AFC Wild Card – Ravens 30, Steelers 17
Baltimore’s first playoff win in Pittsburgh. Joe Flacco delivered one of his best postseason performances, flipping the script on the rivalry.
4. 2006 Regular Season – Ravens 27, Steelers 0
One of the most punishing defensive performances in rivalry history. Baltimore sacked Roethlisberger nine times.
5. 2008 Regular Season – Steelers 13, Ravens 9
A classic defensive slugfest decided by a late Santonio Holmes touchdown — reviewed and upheld by inches.
6. 2023 Regular Season – Steelers 17, Ravens 10
A modern example of the rivalry’s DNA: low scoring, violent, and decided in the final minutes.
Rodgers vs. Jackson: MVP Quarterbacks in the Spotlight
NBC Sports confirms that Aaron Rodgers leads the Steelers into this matchup, while Lamar Jackson returns from injury to guide the Ravens. Rodgers has helped Pittsburgh reach 9–7, while Jackson’s return sparked Baltimore’s late‑season surge after a 1–5 start.
Rodgers’ future beyond the 2025 season remains uncertain, with league observers acknowledging the possibility of a return to Pittsburgh, a move elsewhere, or retirement. Jackson, meanwhile, is playing under a restructured contract that will shape Baltimore’s long‑term roster planning.
Uncertainty Awaits the Loser
The stakes extend far beyond the scoreboard. The winner hosts a playoff game. The loser goes home — and faces major questions.
Reports indicate that the outcome could influence the futures of both Tomlin and Harbaugh, two of the NFL’s longest‑tenured coaches. Rodgers’ future remains unresolved, and Jackson’s contract structure will impact Baltimore’s offseason strategy.
One thing is certain: the AFC North crown will be earned the hard way, in the NFL’s most unforgiving rivalry, under the brightest lights of the season.
