Instant analysis of Ravens 17-10 loss to the Steelers in Week 18 regular-season finale

Baltimore will finish the regular season 13-4 after a desperate Pittsburgh squad (10-7) held on for a 17-10 win at sloppy M&T Bank Stadium.

Playing in a driving rain storm all afternoon, the Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive while snapping the Ravens ‘ game-winning streak.

After securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the AFC North title by defeating the Dolphins in Week 17, the Ravens (13-4) entered Saturday’s game against their division rival with no playoff ramifications for themselves.

Baltimore sat NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson and six other starters: Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, guard Kevin Zeitler, middle linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

With the Ravens set for a Wild Card week bye and the Steelers needing help on Sunday, here’s an instant analysis of the loss.

Rashod Bateman

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bateman was the longest tenured pass catcher on the field for Baltimore, and he was held without a target.

Turnover filled affair

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Broderick Washington #96 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after recovering a fumble in the second quarter of a game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The 8 fumbles on Saturday are tied for the most in a Steelers-Ravens all-time, per ESPNStatsInfo.

Ravens sack fest

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Ravens tied the single season franchise sack record with 60 sacks.

Ravens avoided major injuries

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Odafe Oweh exited the game on his own, but overall, Baltimore finished the regular-season with no major injuries.

Ravens injury updates:

S Geno Stone (knee) is questionable to return
LB Del'Shawn Phillps (shoulder) is questionable

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 6, 2024

Diontae Johnson ended things

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs up the field in the fourth quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Johnson had four catches for 89 yards and this 71 yard touchdown.

DIONTAE JOHNSON HOUSE CALL IN BALTIMORE 🏠☎️#PITvsBAL pic.twitter.com/rbr4nJTlgc

— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2024

The 71-yard touchdown catch by Johnson — which broke a 7-7 tie early in the fourth quarter — was the longest play allowed by the Ravens this season. It was the first time that backup Ravens cornerback Rock Ya-Sin had been targeted all game, according to NFL NextGen Stats.

Del'Shawn Phillips

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

With Roquan Smith resting, Phillips logged 13 tackles and one tackle for loss on the night.