Mandy
The final game of the 2025 NFL regular season delivered everything fans could ask for — drama, momentum swings, and a heartbreaking ending that came down to the very last kick.
With playoff stakes on the line, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers produced one of the most unforgettable finishes of the year.
In a wild fourth quarter that saw 27 points scored, the outcome ultimately hinged on a missed field goal in the closing seconds, sealing the AFC North title for Pittsburgh and ending Baltimore’s season in crushing fashion.
Fourth Quarter Turns Into a Shootout
The intensity reached another level in the final quarter. Trailing by three points on third-and-4 from midfield, Lamar Jackson escaped pressure and launched a deep pass to Zay Flowers, who caught it in stride and raced into the end zone.
The play gave Baltimore a 17–13 lead and marked Jackson’s most impressive moment of the season — possibly his career.
The Steelers, however, responded calmly. An eight-play drive ended with Kenneth Gainwell scoring a touchdown, pushing Pittsburgh ahead 20–17 with just under four minutes remaining.
Jackson wasn’t done yet. With 2:20 left, he connected once again with Flowers, this time on a 64-yard strike, flipping the score to 24–20 Ravens.
Steelers Strike Back in the Closing Minute
Pittsburgh answered immediately. On third-and-10, Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin wide open for a touchdown with 55 seconds remaining.
A missed extra point by Chris Boswell meant the Steelers led by only two points, keeping the door open for Baltimore.
The Ravens started their final drive near midfield with three timeouts — a dream scenario. After one completion, an illegal formation penalty and two incompletions set up a tense fourth-and-7. Jackson lofted a desperation throw, and Isaiah Likely made a spectacular high-point catch to keep hopes alive.
Jackson knelt to center the ball, setting up a potential game-winning field goal. But Tyler Loop pushed the kick wide right as time expired — ending Baltimore’s season in heartbreak.
Early Game Recap: Missed Chances and Momentum Shifts
The scoring began with Jackson connecting with Devontez Walker on a 38-yard touchdown, giving the Ravens an early edge. After several exchanged punts, Baltimore added a field goal to go up 10–0 early in the second quarter.
Pittsburgh answered with a field goal of its own. Just before halftime, a defensive penalty placed the Steelers at the 2-yard line with two seconds left.
They opted to go for the touchdown instead of taking three points, but Gainwell was stopped at the goal line as the clock hit zero.
Second-Half Surge and Defensive Spark
The Steelers opened the second half with a touchdown drive to tie the game at 10–10. Momentum swung further when T.J. Watt, playing his first game back after a collapsed lung, intercepted a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh capitalized with a field goal, taking its first lead of the night.
Steelers Clinch Division and Playoff Spot
Led by a 42-year-old Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin, whom many fans had doubted earlier in the season, Pittsburgh finished 10–7. The victory secured the AFC North crown and a home playoff game.
The Steelers will host the Houston Texans on Monday night in the wild-card round, while the Ravens are left to reflect on what might have been.
This thrilling AFC North showdown perfectly captured the unpredictability of the NFL. From explosive fourth-quarter touchdowns to last-second heartbreak, the game showcased elite quarterback play, bold coaching decisions, and razor-thin margins.
While the Steelers move forward with momentum and confidence, the Ravens face an offseason haunted by missed opportunities and a kick that drifted just wide. Games like this remind fans why football remains one of the most dramatic sports in the world.
FAQs
Why did the Ravens miss the playoffs?
The Ravens were eliminated after missing a game-winning field goal in the final seconds, allowing the Steelers to win the division.
Who won the AFC North in 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North with a 10–7 record.
Who will the Steelers play in the wild-card round?
The Steelers will host the Houston Texans on Monday night in the NFL wild-card round.