NFL Week 18 Saturday Recap

**Steelers vs. Bengals**

The Steelers caught a lucky break late in the fourth quarter after a special teams misstep by the Bengals. This gave the Steelers a new opportunity to score, facing a 19-14 deficit with just over five minutes left in the game. Russell Wilson managed to get one first down but couldn’t generate any further momentum, ultimately settling for a field goal that cut the Bengals' lead to 19-17.

Despite the Steelers' defense limiting the Bengals to four field goals after their initial touchdown, Wilson again struggled to push the offense forward. The Bengals escaped with a 19-17 victory, improving their record to 9-8 for the season, finishing at least above .500. Joe Burrow wrapped up his MVP-caliber season with a performance of 37 completions on 46 attempts, totaling 277 passing yards and a passer rating of 89.9. Although he took four sacks and faced over 50 dropbacks, the Bengals managed to secure the win. However, they finished just 1-4 in the red zone.

The Steelers are unlikely to make a quarterback change this late in the season. Russell Wilson has faced a second-half season collapse, posting a concerning stat line: 17 completions on 31 attempts, a 54.8 completion percentage for 148 passing yards, a passer rating of 78.4, and a -9.9 on Completion Percentage Over Expectation (CPOE). Besides Pat Freiermuth, his playmakers struggled with drops and deflected passes. George Pickens, in particular, had multiple opportunities slip through his fingers, finishing with one catch for zero yards. The Steelers' offense lost the turnover battle, recording one fumble and one interception.

As the Steelers head into the postseason, they are presumably locked in at the sixth seed if the Chargers win their matchup against the Raiders on Sunday. This would set up a rematch with their division foe, the Ravens. While neither team looks particularly strong in Week 18, the Ravens appear to be in better shape than the Steelers at this point.

The Steelers secured their first playoff appearance in three years this season, but only the Texans, another AFC team, enter the new year with less momentum than Pittsburgh. The Steelers have lost five of their last seven games, falling short of their aspirations for the number one seed, and are now trying to avoid the fifth seed. They learned their fate in the AFC North ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against the Bengals, as the Ravens clinched the division title.

In their matchup, the Bengals quickly took the lead when Joe Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase for a 12-yard touchdown. The Steelers' defense performed well against Burrow, who managed just two more field goals but only generated 153 passing yards in the first half on 27 attempts. The Steelers also recorded an interception on a deflected pass. Russell Wilson and the Steelers’ offense couldn't find their rhythm, although they did score a touchdown on a long, 13-play, 73-yard drive capped off by Najee Harris. Harris recorded his fourth consecutive season with over 1,000 rushing yards, but Wilson had only 51 passing yards by the start of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Steelers' passing game briefly showed signs of life. Wilson led the Steelers on an 8-play, 65-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown from tight end Pat Freiermuth on a 19-yard catch, where he reached over the line for the score. Later in the fourth, the Steelers gained a momentum shift after a muffed punt gave them a short field, but they could only muster a field goal. Although the Steelers' defense created opportunities, the offense struggled, managing just 3.3 yards per play and going 4-for-12 on third downs, failing to cross midfield late in the fourth quarter.

**Ravens vs. Browns**

The Ravens clinched the AFC North title and secured the third seed with a decisive 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Although the Ravens' offense did not appear particularly strong, scoring only once in their first five drives, they continued to attack a disheartened Browns team. Baltimore suffered injuries to two receivers in the first half: Zay Flowers (knee) and Rashod Bateman (head). Bateman returned to the game and caught a touchdown pass, while Flowers did not.

The Ravens’ victory not only solidified their position but also ensured that the Browns would secure at least the third overall pick in the upcoming draft. Lamar Jackson finished the season with impressive stats: 5,087 total scrimmage yards (4,172 passing yards and 915 rushing yards), 45 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, a completion percentage of 66.7%, and a passer rating of 119.6. This season is likely to be remembered as one of the best non-MVP seasons in NFL history.

In this game, the Browns started Bailey Zappe, marking the fourth different quarterback they have used this season. The Ravens needed a win to wrap up the division, as a loss could have allowed the Steelers to take the title if they won their game. Historically, the Ravens have struggled with injuries in the postseason, so not having the option to rest their starters late in the season feels like a disservice to the roster.

None of the teams below the Ravens in the AFC standings looked like legitimate contenders, so if Baltimore dropped to fifth in the playoffs, they shouldn't face major challenges against teams like the Texans or Chargers. Therefore, resting their starters may prove to be the best decision. The Ravens played their starters against the Browns, who seemed to have little motivation at this point in the season.

Lamar Jackson led the league in Expected Points Added (EPA), passer rating, red zone offense, and in pass plays over 40 yards. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry looked fresh throughout the season, and the receiving corps ranked among the best in yards after the catch. However, drops and failed fourth-down conversions hindered the Ravens throughout the game and season.

Zay Flowers left the game with a knee injury during the offense's first drive, leading to a punt. The second drive ended with a turnover on downs. Jackson got the Ravens on the board with a 12-yard pass to Mark Andrews, completing a 7-play, 47-yard drive. This pass also pushed Lamar over 4,000 passing yards for the season, adding to his 800 rushing yards.

The Ravens’ points also included a pick-six by Nate Wiggins off a careless pass from Bailey Zappe. Overall, the Ravens struggled offensively during the first half, generating only seven points despite better yardage than five yards per play.

The Ravens' first drive of the second half resulted in Jackson's second touchdown of the game, bringing his season total to 41 touchdowns. He connected with Rashid Bateman for six points, increasing their lead to 21-3 at the start of the third quarter.

Bailey Zappe struggled for the Browns, marking two consecutive years of starting four different quarterbacks. After an ineffective performance, Zappe was replaced with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also struggled to find rhythm, missing throws and taking sacks. The Browns' offense showed no signs of life, reflecting the state of their season.

Early in the fourth quarter, Zappe managed to string together a few completions, resulting in a touchdown after two failed red zone attempts. The touchdown, a 16-yard pass to tight end Jordan Aikins, marked Zappe's first scoring drive since Christmas Day 2023.

In the second half, Derrick Henry took over for the Ravens after a slow start, finishing with 14 carries for 130 rushing yards at 9.3 yards per carry and two touchdowns. The Ravens ultimately clinched the AFC North crown with a 35-10 victory over the Browns.

Lamar Jackson finished the game with modest numbers: 16 of 32 passing for 217 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 63 yards. Derrick Henry had 20 carries for 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens' defense intercepted Zappe twice, with the final interception sealing the win for Baltimore.

This loss secured the third overall pick for the Browns, who must draft a quarterback, as their current quarterback situation has become untenable. The Ravens will face the Chargers in the first round of the playoffs, a matchup they should feel confident about.