History of Ravens & Steelers Rivalry
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry dates back to 1996, when the Ravens first formed their team in Baltimore. Since then, the two teams have faced off a total of 63 times, with the Steelers leading the series 36-27. They’ve also met in the playoffs five times, where the Steelers hold a slight edge with a 3-2 record.
John Harbaugh became the Ravens’ head coach in 2008, and since then, he has faced the Steelers 37 times, all against Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin. Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007, just one year before Harbaugh, making their matchups one of the most exciting head coach rivalries in the NFL.
Derrick Henry, the Ravens’ current running back, was recently asked about the Ravens-Steelers rivalry after signing with the team. He said, “Since I was a kid watching them, every game against them is just physical. That’s the only thing you can say about it.”
In 2005, the Ravens-Steelers rivalry was ranked the second-best rivalry in the NFL. By 2015, Bleacher Report named it the number one rivalry in the league. Some fans even argue it’s the most vicious rivalry in all sports. One infamous moment in this rivalry came before a game when Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs mentioned a supposed bounty on Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. While the NFL investigated the claim, Suggs later clarified that there wasn’t an actual bounty. Still, the competitiveness and intensity of these games are undeniable.
When the Ravens and Steelers play, it doesn’t matter what their records are or what the odds say—fans know they’re in for a wild, physical, and unpredictable game.
The most recent showdown between these two teams ended with the Ravens winning 28-14 in the Wild Card playoff round. Lamar Jackson led Baltimore to victory, going 16/21 for 175 yards and two passing touchdowns, while also rushing for 81 yards.
Preview: Ravens vs. Bills
Lamar Jackson is having a spectacular and historic season. He’s the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards and rush for over 900 yards in a single season, making a strong case for MVP.
Next up, Jackson and the Ravens will face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Allen, another top MVP contender, has also been putting up impressive numbers this season, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
We asked some classmates for their predictions:
- Duncan Boudreau said, “I’m taking the Bills. Something about Josh Allen.”
- On the other hand, a loyal Ravens fan, Peyton Elder, confidently declared, “I’m taking Ravens all the way. Ravens Moneyline. I’m dumping my whole bank account on the Ravens.”
The game is set to take place in Buffalo on Saturday, the 19th, at 6:30 PM. It’s sure to be a thriller. Go Ravens!
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