Steelers vs Ravens 2015 Divisional Playoff
A heartbreakingly close overtime thriller where the Steelers fell one play short against Baltimore.
The 2015 Divisional Playoff matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens stands as a defining chapter in one of the NFL's most intense geographic rivalries. Played on January 9, 2016, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, this game was not just a battle for a conference championship spot but a clash of eras: the veteran-led Steelers defense against the high-octane offense of the Ravens, led by quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice. It marked the first playoff meeting between these two AFC North foes since their initial divisional formation in 2002.
Quick Facts
- Date
- January 9, 2016
- Location
- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
- Result
- Baltimore Ravens 35–34 (OT)
- Mvp performance
- Joe Flacco (Ravens QB) - 4 TD passes
- Key turning point
- Steelers fumble recovery by Ravens in OT
Lore & Background
The emotional weight of the game lies in its final sequence. After Ben Roethlisberger connected with Antonio Brown for a crucial touchdown to force overtime, the Steelers defense held Baltimore to a field goal. However, fate intervened when Le'Veon Bell fumbled on the very first play of overtime, allowing the Ravens to drive downfield and score the game-winning touchdown. It was a devastating end to a season where Pittsburgh had fought through injuries and adversity just to reach this stage.
Reader's Guide
The Steelers-Ravens rivalry intensified after Baltimore joined the AFC North in 2002, transforming from occasional foes into divisional arch-nemeses. By 2015, both franchises were vying for dominance in the conference, having met frequently in regular-season battles that often decided playoff seeding. Historically, the head-to-head record was tightly contested, with neither team holding a decisive long-term advantage leading up to this game. This specific matchup is remembered as one of the highest-scoring and most dramatic overtime games in the history of the rivalry, showcasing the offensive firepower both teams could muster when pushed to their limits.
Culturally, this loss reinforced the narrative that the Ravens were the Steelers' toughest hurdle for a Super Bowl berth during the mid-2010s. The game remains a touchstone for fans discussing 'near misses' and the thin margins that separate champions from heartbreak in the NFL playoffs.
Did You Know?
- Ben Roethlisberger threw four touchdown passes, matching his career-high for a single game at that time.
- Le'Veon Bell's fumble on the opening play of overtime is often cited as one of the most pivotal turnovers in Steelers playoff history.
- The Ravens' 35 points were the most ever scored by an opponent against the Steelers in a home playoff game.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in Pittsburgh Steelers
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced