Lamar Jackson is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but his performance has historically taken a step back in do-or-die games.
In Week 18, Jackson and the Ravens face the Steelers with the division title and playoff hopes on the line. Here’s a look at how the two-time MVP has fared against Pittsburgh in the past, and his chances of changing that narrative.
How Has Lamar Jackson Fared Against the Steelers Historically?
Across eight seasons in the NFL, Jackson has appeared in ten games against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His first action came in his rookie season back in 2018. In those two games against Pittsburgh, Jackson was utilized in a gadget role, totaling only one completion for 12 yards and adding nine rushes for 27 yards on the ground.
In 2019, Jackson became the Ravens’ full-time starter and, since then, has started eight games against the Steelers, posting a 3-5 record. He has recorded 209.8 passing yards per game, 56.8 rushing yards per game, and a mere 12 total touchdowns, compared to 10 interceptions.
These numbers aren’t nearly up to Jackson’s usual standards, as his overall record stands at 76-30. The All-Pro QB also averages 2.0 total touchdowns per game in his career, compared to only 1.5 per game against the Steelers.
The most uninspiring stats, in fact, come from Jackson’s two MVP seasons. Jackson faced Pittsburgh once in each of those seasons, and despite dominating his competition nearly every other week, he felt flat against the Steelers. Jackson threw a combined four interceptions and was sacked 9 times in those two contests, proving the Steelers know his strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else.
On the bright side, Baltimore hosted Pittsburgh during last year’s Wild Card Weekend, and Jackson and the Ravens came out on top 28-14. Jackson led the offense, completing 16/21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
MORE: NFL Playoff Tiebreakers Explained: A Look at Where Every Team Stands Coming Into Week 18
Now, in the 2025 season, Week 18, the stage is awfully similar. Although it’s the regular season, Sunday’s matchup will undoubtedly have playoff intensity. The game will be played on primetime, and the winner will claim the four-seed in the AFC, while the loser will be eliminated.
As for Jackson, he certainly isn’t having his best season, ranking 17th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, while also coming off yet another injury. However, Jackson is still an elite-level quarterback, and with the season coming down to one game, Baltimore hopes to get his very best.
