The Pittsburgh Steelers held a two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North standings when the NFL’s 15th Sunday of the 2024 season concluded on December 15th. However, a dramatic shift occurred ten days later following the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader. Baltimore’s 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans, coupled with Pittsburgh’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, flipped the division lead. The Ravens now hold a one-game advantage. All four teams had already secured AFC playoff berths.
The Ravens’ three wins in an eleven-day span, including a 34-17 triumph over the Steelers, propelled them to an 11-5 record with one game remaining. Conversely, the Steelers, facing the same grueling schedule, lost all three games, dropping their record to 10-6. With Kansas City securing the AFC’s number one seed and a first-round bye, the AFC North title race became a battle for home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Kansas City’s 29-10 victory over Pittsburgh extended their winning streak to six games and improved their record to 15-1. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdown passes, solidifying their position for a potential third consecutive Super Bowl victory. The game featured several players from Alabama high schools and colleges, with notable performances including Najee Harris (Steelers) surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season, and George Pickens (Steelers) returning from injury with a three-reception, 50-yard performance. Other players from Alabama schools saw action on both teams.
In the Ravens’ win over the Texans, Derrick Henry led the charge with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown, setting a new single-season rushing touchdown record for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson added another impressive performance, surpassing Michael Vick as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks. Numerous players from Alabama high schools and colleges also participated in this game, contributing to both the Ravens and Texans’ performances.
Kansas City concludes its regular season against the Denver Broncos on January 5th, while Pittsburgh plays the Cincinnati Bengals on the same day. Baltimore faces the Cleveland Browns, and Houston takes on the Tennessee Titans, both also on January 5th.