The AFC North title was decided after the Baltimore Ravens’ 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns earlier Saturday, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals still have plenty to play for.

For the Bengals, it’s trying to stay alive in the NFL playoff race. Even with a win, the team’s record will need losses by the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins on Sunday to be able to play next weekend, though they’ve lasted longer than anyone expected a few weeks ago. They are currently on a four-game win streak after starting 4-8.

For the Steelers, it’s a matter of their preferred wild-card opponent. A win would mean facing on the road the Houston Texans, who have been flailing lately and are in the playoffs through the grace of a down AFC South. A loss and a win by the Los Angeles Chargers means going to Baltimore, where they lost 34-17 two weeks ago.

And, of course, there’s always pride between AFC North rivals.

The Ravens captured the divisional crown with an undramatic victory against the Browns, who started Bailey Zappe at quarterback, swapped in Dorian Thompson-Robinson after a pick 6, then brought Zappe back in. With the Cleveland offense struggling, the Ravens were up multiple scores the entire second half.

The biggest highlight: an interception by 355-pound defensive tackle Michael Pierce.

Baltimore is now locked in as the No. 3 seed in the AFC side of the playoffs, behind the No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs and No. 2 Buffalo Bills.

Lamar Jackson finished his season with 4,172 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns with some of the best pass efficiency numbers in NFL history, as well as 915 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. It was the most productive and efficient season of his career. Was it good enough for a third MVP award against a strong campaign by Bills quarterback Josh Allen?

Week 18 NFL Saturday schedule

Live71 updates

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM EST
Bengals have to punt

Following Khalil Herbert getting tackled for a 4-yard loss, Joe Burrow throws an incomplete pass then connects with Mike Gesicki for an eight-yard gain. But Cincinnati can’t get the first down and has to punt.

Ryan Rehkow kicks 47 yards and the Steelers will take over at their 11 after a three-yard return by Calvin Austin.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:47 PM EST
Burrow to Gesicki for 14 yards

On 2nd-and-10 from the Cincinnati 41, Joe Burrow steps up in the pocket to avoid the rush and hits Mike Gesicki over the middle for a 14-yard gain.

Gesicki has seven receptions for 60 yards tonight.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:43 PM EST
TOUCHDOWN: Bengals 19, Steelers 14

Pittsburgh drives 65 yards in nine plays, finished off with a 19-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Pat Freiermuth.

Wilson also completed a 12-yard catch and run to Najee Harris and scrambled for another 12-yard gain during the drive.

It’s a one-score game with 8:07 remaining.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:31 PM EST
Field goal: Bengals 19, Steelers 7

On 3rd-and-goal from the Pittsburgh 5-yard line, Joe Burrow misses Mike Gesicki in the back of the end zone and the Bengals have to settle for a field goal.

Cade York makes a 23-yard kick to put Cincinnati up 19–7.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:27 PM EST
Joe Burrow eludes the blitz

Joe Burrow eludes a six-man blitz by the Steelers and makes a toss to Tanner Hudson. Hudson turns the catch into an 11-yard gain.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:25 PM EST
Burrow to Chase for 19 yards

Ja’Marr Chase makes an outstanding catch at the left sideline on a back shoulder throw by Joe Burrow. Cincinnati gains 19 yards on the play.

Ja’Marr Toe Tap!

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:22 PM EST
Tee Higgins questionable to return

Tee Higgins is questionable to return with an ankle injury, according to the Bengals.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM EST
Third quarter: Bengals 16, Steelers 7

Cincinnati has been emphasizing the run on this drive, perhaps making sure Joe Burrow is truly OK. But he looked fine hitting Ja’Marr Chase on a 15-yard out route.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:15 PM EST
Joe Burrow back in

Russell Wilson misses on a throw to George Pickens on 3rd-and-8 from the Pittsburgh 44. Corliss Waitman kicks a 50-yard punt and Cincinnati gets the ball at its 13-yard line.

Joe Burrow is back on the field with the Bengals offense.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:11 PM EST
Jake Browning warming up on sideline

This may just be precautionary while Joe Burrow gets examined, but backup QB Jake Browning is loosening up, according to reporters on the scene.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:09 PM EST
Joe Burrow in medical tent

Joe Burrow might be getting checked for a concussion in the medical tent. He had a big chunk of turf in his facemask when he got up, indicating that he landed face-first.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 10:07 PM EST
Burrow sacked, slow to get up

The Bengals were moving the ball, driving 59 yards in nine plays. But Joe Burrow is sacked on 3rd-and-2 for a 12-yard loss by Nick Herbig.

Even worse, Burrow appeared to be hurt on the play and was slow to get up. Herbig and Cameron Heyward fell on Burrow, who landed on the football. The Bengals QB is now in the medical tent.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:57 PM EST
Steelers open 2nd half with 3-and-out

Pittsburgh got the ball to begin the second half, but couldn’t do anything on their first possession.

Najee Harris lost four yards on his first-down carry. Russell Wilson connected with Harris for six yards on 2nd-and-14. But he threw incomplete to Calvin Austin on 3rd-and-8.

Following a Corliss Waitman 50-yard punt, the Bengals take over on their 18-yard line.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM EST
Halftime: Bengals 13, Steelers 7

Bengals

Total offense: 172 yards
Joe Burrow: 21/27, 153 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Khalil Herbert: 9 carries, 27 yards
Ja’Marr Chase: 5 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD

Steelers

Total offense: 75 yards
Russell Wilson: 4/8, 45 yards
Najee Harris: 9 carries, 45 yards
Mike Williams: 1 catch, 25 yards

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM EST
Field goal: Bengals 13, Steelers 7

Joe Burrow throws three consecutive incompletions on 1st-and-goal from the 9-yard line and Cincinnati has to settle for a field goal.

Cade York kicks a 27-yarder and the Bengals take a 13–7 lead with 16 seconds remaining before halftime.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:33 PM EST
Tee Higgins goes high

Tee Higgins goes high to snare an 18-yard pass from Joe Burrow on 1st-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 27.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:31 PM EST
Steelers short on 4th down

Russell Wilson appeared to get the first down on a 3rd-and-1 rush up the middle. But replay overturned the call.

The Steelers tried again on 4th-and-1 from their 37. Jaylen Warren was initially awared the first down but was then ruled short of the line to gain.

Cincinnati takes over with 48 seconds remaining in the half.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:20 PM EST
Joe Burrow intercepted

On 2nd-and-12, Joe Burrow looks for Ja’Marr Chase over the middle but the pass is deflected by Patrick Queen and picked off by Beanie Bishop.

Pittsburgh takes over at its 26-yard line with 1:10 left in the first half.

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM EST
Bengals get first down on Steelers’ defensive holding

T.J. Watt forced a fumble by Joe Burrow on 3rd-and-6. Cody Ford recovered, but the play was negated by a defensive holding call on Cory Trice Jr.

Bengals get a first down at the Steelers’ 24-yard

Sat, January 4, 2025 at 9:12 PM EST
Steelers fumble after forcing a punt

The Bengals went 3-and-out ater Joe Burrow was sacked on 3rd-and-3 from the Cincinnati 23 by Preston Smith.

Following a 57-yard punt by Ryan Rehkow, Calvin Austin fumbles after returning the kick for seven yards. Shaka Hayward forced the turnover. Akeem Davis-Gaither recovers the fumble at the Steelers’ 33.