Steelers vs. Ravens rivalry, explained: The NFL’s toughest battle for AFC North bragging rights

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens don’t just play football — they trade body blows.

For two decades, this AFC North feud has delivered bruising defense, late-game drama, and moments that swing seasons (and sometimes Super Bowl paths). When Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore is on the schedule, it’s appointment viewing.

From the Ravens’ arrival in the late 1990s to the Steelers’ championship runs and today’s stars, Steelers–Ravens rarely disappoint: goal-line stands, signature pick-sixes, controversial sideline moments, and finishes that come down to one possession.

Below is a full breakdown of the Steelers-Ravens rivalry — how it started, the defining games, the legends who shaped it, and why it’s still one of the NFL’s most physical rivalries.

The origins of the Steelers–Ravens rivalry

The rivalry truly ignited in the 1990s after the Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore (1995), becoming the Ravens in 1996. Cleveland later returned with a new Browns franchise in 1999 — but the Steelers and Ravens were already on a collision course.

The stakes escalated quickly. Since 2001, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have met in the playoffs five times, with the Steelers holding a 3–2 edge in postseason games. Overall, the Steelers lead the all-time series 36–27.

Defining games in Steelers vs. Ravens history

Hard hits. Huge turnovers. Stadium-shaking moments. A few rivalry classics that still get replayed:

• First loss in a new stadium (twice): The Steelers handed the Ravens their first loss at M&T Bank Stadium (1998), and Baltimore returned the favor at Acrisure Stadium (2001).
• 2008 AFC Championship Game: Troy Polamalu’s late interception sealed a Steelers win — and Pittsburgh went on to win the Super Bowl.
• 2016 Christmas Day: Antonio Brown’s late touchdown helped Pittsburgh clinch the division and dealt a major blow to Baltimore’s playoff hopes.
• 2019 Thanksgiving: Mike Tomlin’s infamous sideline moment during a Ravens kickoff return became instant rivalry lore.
• The “arrival” moment: Ray Lewis pointed to a 2000 Ravens win as the game that changed the tone — “We beat the Steelers, 16-0… and that changed the rivalry.”

Key players who shaped the Steelers–Ravens rivalry

The rivalry hit its peak in the Ben Roethlisberger vs. Joe Flacco era — two quarterbacks who knew every yard was going to be earned.

But the identity of Steelers-Ravens has always been defense-first:

• Ravens legends: Ray Lewis (3 INT, 6.5 sacks vs. PIT), Ed Reed (6 INT vs. PIT)
• Steelers legend: Troy Polamalu (155+ combined tackles vs. BAL)

And there were plenty of offensive thorns, too:

• Hines Ward vs. Baltimore: 6 TD, 1,320 yards
• Todd Heap vs. Pittsburgh: 4 TD, 602 yards

Why Steelers–Ravens is still the NFL’s most physical rivalry

The names have changed, but the AFC North edge hasn’t. The Steelers and Ravens are still fighting for division leverage, playoff positioning, and bragging rights — and the games still look like they’re played in a phone booth.

Lamar Jackson added a new layer with game-breaking speed and explosiveness, compiling 1,284 passing yards and 8 passing TD against Pittsburgh, plus 300+ rushing yards as a true dual threat.

On the other side, Pittsburgh’s modern centerpiece is T.J. Watt, who has terrorized Baltimore with 17.0 sacks and 56 solo tackles in the rivalry.