The Pittsburgh Steelers were the overwhelming favorites for the AFC North in the week 16 of 2025 NFL, while the Baltimore Ravens saw their playoff hopes plummet to single digits.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were the overwhelming favorites for the AFC North in the week 16 of 2025 NFL, while the Baltimore Ravens saw their playoff hopes plummet to single digits.
The Steelers have a two-game advantage over the Lions after a 29-24 victory.
The Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, have never had a losing season. That won’t be changing this year. The long-time coach’s 19th successful season was assured by Sunday’s win. Tomlin has not won a playoff match since 2017. While Steelers fans may be frustrated by his inability to do so, the results of Tomlin with Ben Roethlisberger or Aaron Rodgers are impressive. Tomlin may have a better chance of winning the playoffs with Rodgers in 2018.
The 42-year old quarterback had 27 completions out of 41 attempts, resulting in 266 yards and one touchdown. He also committed zero turnovers. Jaylen Warren led the team with 143 rushing yard and two touchdowns in just 14 carries. Kenneth Gainwell, another running back, was the leading passer for the offense. He had five catches totaling 78 yards.
Pittsburgh’s defensive unit completely shut down the Lions’ two-headed dangerous rushing attack. They limited Jahmyr and David Montgomery’s combined rushing yardage to 16 and no touchdowns. The ejection from the game of D.K. Metcalf. The star wide receiver was suspended for the final two games of the regular season after a physical altercation he had with a spectator in the stands. He will lose $555,556 and $45 million guaranteed in future money.
The Ravens’ hopes of making the playoffs in this season were shattered by a devastating 28-24 loss against the New England Patriots during Sunday Night Football. Baltimore can only make the playoffs if they win their last two games, against the Green Bay Packers or the Steelers. Pittsburgh must also lose its game in Week 17.
Derrick Henry’s fumble during the Ravens’ second offensive drive halted the momentum. Lamar Jackson suffered an injury two drives later when he kneed his back after a run. Tyler Huntley finished the game after Jackson left the field. Huntley completed 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards, while Jackson finished the game with 7 of 10. Henry was borderline-unstoppable outside of his early fumble, finishing with 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. John Harbaugh, Todd Monken and the team were under intense scrutiny after the game. Henry was left out on the field when his second touchdown ran gave Baltimore a 24-13 lead with 12:50 to go in regulation. Zay Flowers’ otherwise excellent night, in which he led the team by having seven catches and 84 yards, as well as an 18-yard running touchdown, was marred at the end of regulation with a fumble.
The Ravens defense, aside from an early interception by Marlin Humphrey allowed Drake Maye the freedom to fly as he pleased. Baltimore was unable to put pressure on Maye, which led to multiple big passes. Stefon Diggs, the former Maryland star who caught nine passes totaling 138 yards, was a particular problem for the Ravens.
The Bengals rebounded from their Week 15 shutout with a 45-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Joe Burrow, a week after playing one of his worst games in his career, delivered a near perfect performance against the Dolphins. He went 25 of 32 for a total of 309 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ja’Marr chase was the go-to man in his passing attack. The duo connected on nine targets and 109 yards. Tee Higgins, who missed one game due to a head injury, returned to the field to catch three balls for 53 yards and score a touchdown. Chase Brown led the team in rushing with 66 yard and a touchdown. He also added 43 yards and two more scores as a wide receiver.
Cincinnati’s defence faced rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was making his first NFL appearance after Tua Tagovailoa was benched. The Bengals were able to snag two interceptions from the seventh round rookie.
The Browns lost their fourth consecutive game on Sunday, 23-20 to the Buffalo Bills.
Shedeur Sands had another rough day as he completed only 20 of 29 passes, resulting in 157 yards and one touchdown. He also led the team with his 49 rushing yardage on four carries. Trayveon William was the top receiver with only 38 yards from four catches. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. scored Sanders’ single touchdown. Quinshon JUDKINS’ promising rookie season ended in Cleveland when he fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle on a passing play during the second quarter. The second-rounder finished his rookie season with 230 carries, 827 yards, and seven touchdowns. He also had 171 receiving yard on 26 receptions. Judkins’ recovery time frame is expected to be between 4-6 months.
The Browns defense was able to hold the reigning MVP Josh Allen, to only 130 yards on 19 passes, and no touchdowns, but they were unable to stop James Cook who had 117 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. Myles Garrett recorded half a touchdown against Allen. He is now only half a touchdown behind the single-season all-time record.