Steelers clinch AFC North with thrilling win over Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers improve to 10-5 and clinch the AFC North after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 31-27, in a thrilling, back-and-forth Week 16 matchup. The Steelers scored with nine seconds left to cap a furious comeback when Antonio Brown stretched over the goal line for the winning touchdown.

It was sweet revenge for Pittsburgh, which lost to Baltimore 21-14 in Week 6.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an outstanding season. Heading into Week 16, he threw for 3,540 yards to go along with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His go-to receiver, Brown, came into Week 16 with 96 receptions for 1,188 yards and 11 touchdowns. On Sunday, he became just the second receiver, after Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, to record 100+ catches in four consecutive seasons.

While Pittsburgh’s passing attack was great throughout the year, its rushing attack, led by running back Le’Veon Bell, was lethal. Bell has a rare combination of size, strength, speed, and agility. He scored two touchdowns — one on the ground and one through the air — Sunday against the Ravens.

Pittsburgh’s defense plays with physicality and doesn’t surrender a lot of big plays. The Steelers have to continue playing well on both sides of the ball if they want to go far in the playoffs.