The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens clashed in an electrifying AFC Wild Card matchup on January 11, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium. This rivalry, steeped in history, delivered a game packed with standout performances, jaw-dropping stats, and moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats, highlight key performances, and weave in insights for football enthusiasts eager to understand what made this game a classic. Whether you’re a die-hard Steelers fan, a Ravens supporter, or just love crunching numbers, this deep dive has you covered.
Why the Steelers vs. Ravens Rivalry Matters
The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is one of the NFL’s fiercest, with both teams in the AFC North known for hard-hitting defense and gritty play. Since 1996, they’ve faced off 54 times, with Pittsburgh leading 30-24. Their January 2025 playoff game was a high-stakes battle, as Baltimore aimed to cement their dominance after clinching the AFC North, while Pittsburgh fought to keep their postseason hopes alive. Let’s explore the stats that defined this thrilling encounter.
What Were the Key Stats of the Game?
The Ravens dominated with a 28-14 victory, racking up 464 total yards compared to Pittsburgh’s 339. Baltimore’s ground game was unstoppable, amassing 299 rushing yards—the eighth-highest in NFL playoff history. The Steelers struggled early, trailing 21-0 at halftime, but showed resilience with a second-half push. Here’s a snapshot of the game’s critical numbers:
- Total Yards: Ravens 464, Steelers 339
- Rushing Yards: Ravens 299, Steelers 29
- Passing Yards: Ravens 165, Steelers 310
- Time of Possession: Ravens 39:48, Steelers 20:12
- Penalties: Ravens 3 for 14 yards, Steelers 5 for 35 yards
Top Performers: Ravens’ Offensive Firepower
Baltimore’s offense, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s defense. Let’s dive into the standout performances.
Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Maestro
Lamar Jackson, the reigning two-time MVP, showcased why he’s a game-changer. He didn’t just throw darts—he ran circles around the Steelers’ defense. His stats tell the story:
- Passing: 14/19, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Rushing: 14 carries, 81 yards, 5.8 yards per carry
- Highlight Play: A 15-yard TD pass to Rashod Bateman on the opening drive, setting the tone early.
Jackson’s ability to extend plays, like his 6.31-second scramble before finding Justice Hill for a TD, kept Pittsburgh guessing. His 75 yards before contact on rushes exposed the Steelers’ overcommitment to stopping Henry.
Derrick Henry: The King of the Ground Game
Derrick Henry, Baltimore’s bruising running back, turned back the clock with a playoff-record performance for the Ravens. At 31, he ran with the ferocity of a rookie:
- Rushing: 26 carries, 186 yards, 2 TDs, 7.2 yards per carry
- Longest Run: 44 yards (TD in the third quarter, hitting 20.6 mph)
- Key Moment: An 8-yard TD run capping a 13-play, all-rush drive in the second quarter.
Henry’s 186 yards were a masterclass in power running, exploiting gaps left by a Steelers defense fixated on containing Jackson. His performance echoed his 2020 Titans days, reminding fans why he’s a future Hall of Famer.
Supporting Cast: Bateman and Hill Shine
Without top receiver Zay Flowers (sidelined by a knee injury), Rashod Bateman and Justice Hill stepped up:
- Rashod Bateman: 4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD
- Justice Hill: 3 receptions, 28 yards, 1 TD; 6 carries, 25 yards
Their clutch plays ensured Baltimore’s offense didn’t skip a beat, proving the Ravens’ depth is a postseason asset.
Steelers’ Struggles: Offensive and Defensive Breakdown
Pittsburgh’s performance was a tale of two halves. A sluggish start buried them early, but they showed fight in the third quarter. Let’s unpack their key players.
Russell Wilson: A Mixed Bag
Russell Wilson, tasked with sparking Pittsburgh’s offense, had moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes:
- Passing: 24/37, 270 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Rushing: 3 carries, 12 yards
- Turnovers: 1 fumble lost (forced by Ar’Darius Washington inside the Ravens’ 5-yard line)
Wilson’s second-half deep throws, including TDs to Calvin Austin III and George Pickens, gave Pittsburgh life. However, his early inaccuracy and the fumble stalled their momentum. At 36, questions linger about his future as Pittsburgh’s QB, especially with both he and Justin Fields hitting free agency.
Najee Harris: Ground Game Grounded
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh’s workhorse, was stifled by Baltimore’s stout run defense:
- Rushing: 8 carries, 18 yards, 2.3 yards per carry
- Receiving: 3 receptions, 22 yards
The Ravens’ front seven, led by Roquan Smith, bottled up Harris, forcing Wilson to lean on the pass. Pittsburgh’s 29 total rushing yards were their lowest in the 2024 playoffs.
Defensive Woes: Failing to Contain the Run
Pittsburgh’s defense, one of the league’s highest-paid, crumbled against Baltimore’s ground assault:
- Tackles Leader: T.J. Watt, 7 tackles, 1 sack
- Missed Opportunities: Allowed 299 rushing yards, the most in Steelers’ playoff history
- Key Error: Overpursuing Henry, leaving lanes for Jackson’s read-option runs
The Steelers’ focus on stopping Henry backfired, as Jackson exploited their aggression. This defensive lapse underscored why Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Player Stats Table: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Player | Team | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | 175 | 81 | – | 2 (passing) |
| Derrick Henry | Ravens | – | 186 | 8 | 2 (rushing) |
| Rashod Bateman | Ravens | – | – | 65 | 1 |
| Justice Hill | Ravens | – | 25 | 28 | 1 |
| Russell Wilson | Steelers | 270 | 12 | – | 2 (passing) |
| Najee Harris | Steelers | – | 18 | 22 | 0 |
| Calvin Austin III | Steelers | – | – | 75 | 1 |
| George Pickens | Steelers | – | – | 68 | 1 |
How Did the Ravens’ Strategy Win the Game?
Baltimore’s game plan was clear: lean on their elite rushing attack to control the clock and wear down Pittsburgh’s defense. Here’s why it worked:
- Run-Heavy Approach: 47 rushes vs. 19 passes kept Pittsburgh’s offense off the field.
- Play-Action Fakes: Jackson’s mobility forced linebackers to hesitate, opening passing lanes.
- Discipline: Only 3 penalties for 14 yards, avoiding costly mistakes.
For fans looking to emulate this in fantasy football or betting, prioritize teams with versatile QBs and dominant RBs in playoff scenarios. Baltimore’s blueprint is a masterclass in physical football.
What Can Steelers Fans Learn from This Loss?
Pittsburgh’s fifth straight wild-card exit highlights areas for improvement:
- Balance the Offense: Relying on Wilson’s arm without a run game is a recipe for failure.
- Defensive Adjustments: Overcommitting to one player (Henry) left them vulnerable.
- QB Uncertainty: With Wilson and Fields’ contracts expiring, Pittsburgh faces a pivotal offseason.
Fans can stay engaged by following Kansas High School Football Scores for inspiration from young athletes or checking Bethel High School Football for local talent development—both remind us of the grit needed to succeed at any level.
FAQs
Who Had the Most Rushing Yards in the Steelers vs. Ravens Game?
Derrick Henry led with 186 rushing yards on 26 carries, scoring two touchdowns.
How Did Lamar Jackson Perform Against Pittsburgh?
Lamar Jackson threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 81 yards, earning MVP chants from the Baltimore crowd.
Why Did the Steelers Lose to the Ravens?
The Steelers lost due to a poor rushing attack (29 yards), early turnovers, and failing to stop Baltimore’s 299-yard ground game.
Connecting to Broader Football Culture
Football isn’t just about the NFL—it’s a passion that starts young. In places like Kansas, high school football scores are a community heartbeat, with programs like Bethel High School Football shaping future stars. These local scenes mirror the intensity of Steelers-Ravens, where every play matters. Following these games can deepen your appreciation for the sport’s roots and keep you connected to its future.
Conclusion
The January 2025 Steelers-Ravens wild-card game was more than a playoff clash—it was a testament to why this rivalry captivates fans. Baltimore’s rushing dominance, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s defense, while the Steelers’ late rally couldn’t erase an early deficit. The stats tell a story of execution, resilience, and missed opportunities, offering lessons for fans and analysts alike.
As you reflect on this game, dive into the numbers, rewatch the highlights, and join the conversation. Follow your local teams, from NFL giants to high school heroes like those in Kansas High School Football Scores or Bethel High School Football, to stay rooted in the sport’s spirit.
