The Pittsburgh Steelers are one win away from doing something that hasn’t been done in the Steel City since the 2020 campaign. If the team can win one of its final two games, the organization will celebrate an AFC North championship and host a home postseason contest. It’s also possible that Mike Tomlin and co. won’t play another meaningful matchup in the 2025 regular season. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday evening, there will be no scenarios that allow any other collective to win the division aside from the Steelers.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh will have the option to get starters plenty of rest if Baltimore does not beat Green Bay, but injuries could seriously affect the primetime matchup on Saturday evening. Lamar Jackson is dealing with some sort of back ailment, while Jordan Love is trying to work his way back from a concussion. The NFL is very serious about head injuries, but the quarterback is set to practice in a limited fashion on Tuesday, which is phenomenal news for the Steelers.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said both Jordan Love (concussion) and Malik Willis (shoulder) will participate in a limited fashion today.
A good sign that Love is progressing through the protocol, but there are more steps still to get through. pic.twitter.com/sR8h8jTiD4
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) December 23, 2025
While it is not a definitive lock for Love to be playing on Saturday, it seems as if he has a legitimate shot to return. Players who have not progressed at all do not even get a chance to participate in any way. The Packers’ chances of defeating the Ravens will increase mightily if Love is able to suit up and play. Green Bay is still in the mix for an NFC North title, so the final two contests for Matt LaFleur and his team matter.
For John Harbaugh, his group was hit with a major blow to its postseason hopes when the Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions and then went on to lose to the New England Patriots. Tomlin and co. were extremely happy about how Week 16 played out, and with DK Metcalf‘s recent suspension, it would certainly be preferred that Love plays and finds a way to lead Green Bay to victory over Baltimore.
Don Wright / ap phto
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Malik Willis operates as the backup to Love, and also is dealing with injury, as he experienced some sort of shoulder discomfort in Week 16. He played well when in the game, but it would be much better for Pittsburgh if Love was under center on Saturday evening. That could be the difference between the Steelers winning the AFC North on Saturday, rather than relying on a win against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday while on the road.
The Steelers will now win the AFC North if the Packers beat the Ravens on Saturday night.
With VERY little chance of getting the 3 seed in that scenario, Pittsburgh would essentially be playing two meaningless games in Weeks 17 and 18.
— Parker Abate (@SNParker_) December 22, 2025
No one ever roots for injuries, so Jackson’s possible absence is not something to be cheered. However, positive injury news, specifically when it comes to Love, is a fantastic update for the Steel City. The Packers are currently favorites to win the game as the matchup will take place at Lambeau Field, and Love’s presence will only help that favoritism.
Evan Siegle / Pittsburgh Steelers
Packers quarterback Jordan Love uncorks a deep ball as his offense works on the field during a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Fan Base May Be Donating In Love’s Name If The Packers Beat Ravens
It has become a bit of a tradition in the NFL for fans to thank opposing players by donating to charities in their names. It shouldn’t come as a surprise at all if Green Bay defeats Baltimore and Pittsburgh fans head over to Hands Of 10ve to thank the Packers’ quarterback for delivering a way. First, he has to get through concussion protocol, but he is off to a good start in that department.
Do you think the Steelers will have the AFC North clinched by the time they kickoff against the Browns on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!