In the fiercely competitive world of the NFL, few rivalries have been as consistently captivating as that between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. This rivalry, born from the AFC North division and fueled by both teams’ blue-collar ethos, has been marked by intense physicality, gritty performances, and a series of nail-biting contests. But when the stakes are highest — in the postseason — history has repeatedly favored the Steelers when they face off against their bitter rivals from Baltimore.
As of the 2024 NFL season, the Steelers and Ravens have met four times in the playoffs, with Pittsburgh winning three of those matchups. These postseason clashes have only intensified the rivalry, and they serve as a reminder of the historical dominance the Steelers have had when it matters most. But what makes Pittsburgh’s playoff success against Baltimore even more compelling is the backdrop of these games: the highly contrasting styles of both teams, their shared history, and the way in which the Steelers have found a way to rise to the occasion when it counts most.
### A Rivalry Like No Other
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens are two teams that embody the essence of their respective cities: hard-nosed, resilient, and relentless. Both teams are known for their tough defenses, physical brand of football, and never-say-die attitude. The rivalry dates back to 1996, when the Ravens — previously the Cleveland Browns — relocated to Baltimore. From the moment the two teams first met, the games were filled with animosity, and the rivalry quickly became one of the most intense in the NFL.
Over the years, this rivalry has been marked by thrilling regular-season games, including several that were decided by just a few points. However, it’s the postseason matchups that have provided the most memorable moments. The history of these games, particularly those in the playoffs, tells the story of two teams that will do anything to get the better of each other, especially when the stakes are highest.
### The Steelers’ Playoff Dominance
While the Ravens have certainly had their moments of glory, the Steelers have historically had the upper hand in playoff games. Pittsburgh’s 3-1 record in postseason matchups against Baltimore is a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion when facing their bitter rivals in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs.
#### 1. **2001 AFC Divisional Playoff – Steelers 27, Ravens 10**
The first meeting between these two teams in the playoffs came in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round, a year in which the Steelers were led by head coach Bill Cowher and quarterback Tommy Maddox. Despite the Ravens’ stout defense and the presence of an emerging quarterback in Baltimore’s Trent Dilfer, the Steelers made quick work of their rivals.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by future Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, was dominant, forcing two key turnovers in the game. Maddox, who had taken over the starting job in 2001, played efficiently, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers’ ability to win in all three phases of the game — defense, special teams, and offense — set the tone for the rest of the rivalry. The Ravens, who had entered the game with high expectations after an 11-5 regular season, were shut down by Pittsburgh’s defense, and the game ended with a convincing 27-10 victory for the Steelers.
#### 2. **2008 AFC Championship – Steelers 23, Ravens 14**
The next time these two teams met in the postseason was in the 2008 AFC Championship Game. This matchup remains one of the most iconic playoff games in NFL history and was a microcosm of the rivalry’s physical nature. The Ravens, led by the tough-minded rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, came into Pittsburgh with high hopes of securing a spot in the Super Bowl, but they were met with one of the most tenacious defenses the NFL has ever seen.
The Steelers’ defense, featuring stars like James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and LaMarr Woodley, was suffocating. Harrison’s interception and touchdown in the first half set the tone, and the Ravens struggled to generate any consistent offense. Flacco, despite having a solid rookie season, was stifled by the Steelers’ pass rush and secondary. The Ravens’ defense, while excellent in its own right, simply couldn’t contain Pittsburgh’s offense, led by veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
In the end, Pittsburgh won 23-14, advancing to the Super Bowl, where they would go on to capture their sixth championship. The victory over Baltimore in the AFC Championship was significant not only because it sent the Steelers to the Super Bowl but because it cemented their legacy as the dominant team in the AFC North during the 2000s.
#### 3. **2010 AFC Divisional Playoff – Steelers 31, Ravens 24**
The 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff game is another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams. This game was a classic example of how the Steelers’ defense, particularly their ability to step up in big moments, made the difference. The Ravens, having won the AFC North, came into Pittsburgh as the favorites, with Joe Flacco playing some of the best football of his career.
However, the Steelers’ defense once again showed up when it mattered most. A 50-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown, coupled with an interception late in the game by Polamalu, helped seal the victory. The 31-24 scoreline was indicative of how hard-fought and competitive the game was, but in the end, Pittsburgh’s defense proved too much for the Ravens, who were once again sent home without a trip to the Super Bowl.
#### 4. **2014 AFC Wild Card – Steelers 30, Ravens 17**
The most recent postseason meeting between these two teams came in the 2014 AFC Wild Card game. This was a dramatic and emotional game that showed just how deep the rivalry ran. The Ravens, fresh off an emotional win over the Cleveland Browns in the final game of the regular season, came to Pittsburgh to face off against the Steelers in what many considered a “winner-takes-all” contest.
Roethlisberger and the offense were red-hot, while the Steelers’ defense stepped up when needed. Although the Ravens fought hard, the Steelers pulled away in the second half, winning 30-17. The game showcased Roethlisberger’s leadership and the continued prowess of Pittsburgh’s defense in the postseason, and it served as a fitting reminder of why history had been on the Steelers’ side in these high-stakes encounters.
### The Ravens’ Struggles in the Playoffs
While the Ravens have certainly had success in the regular season, their playoff record against the Steelers has been frustratingly underwhelming. Baltimore’s lone playoff victory over Pittsburgh came in the 2009 AFC Divisional Playoffs, where they defeated the Steelers 33-14 in a game that was notable for Roethlisberger’s turnover-filled performance.
However, the Ravens’ struggles in subsequent postseason encounters with the Steelers show just how difficult it has been for Baltimore to find sustained success against Pittsburgh when the games really matter. Whether it was the Steelers’ legendary defense or their ability to execute in key moments, the Ravens have found themselves on the losing end more often than not.
### Conclusion: History on the Steelers’ Side
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-1 record against the Baltimore Ravens in playoff games is a reflection of their consistent success when the stakes are highest. Pittsburgh has repeatedly risen to the occasion in these intense matchups, showcasing the depth of their roster, the strength of their defense, and the leadership of their quarterback. While the Ravens have remained a formidable force in the NFL, their postseason record against the Steelers is a testament to how difficult it has been for them to overcome Pittsburgh’s playoff pedigree.
As the rivalry continues, both teams will undoubtedly meet again in the postseason — and when they do, the history between the two sides will only add to the drama and intensity of what is sure to be another memorable chapter in this legendary rivalry.
