Steelers Enter Week 15 in Command of AFC North, Colts Eyeing Stunning Rivers Comeback
As we head into Week 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting in a position few predicted just a few weeks ago: leading the AFC North with a 67.9% chance to win the division, per ESPN Analytics. At 7-6, they’ve surged past the Ravens (6-7, 28.7%) and Bengals (4-9, 3.4%) in the projections, and while the math is still fluid, the Steelers are in control of their own destiny down the stretch.
Pittsburgh’s recent win over Baltimore was gritty, dramatic, and-true to form-decided in the trenches and on defense. The Steelers forced a key turnover on downs in the final minutes, holding strong inside their own 10-yard line to seal a 27-22 victory. That stop came just moments after rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. made a heads-up play to knock the ball loose from Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone-another costly ball-handling lapse from the young tight end.
Steelers fans have seen this script before: get outgained on the ground (in this case, by 183 yards), but still find a way to win. In fact, this was just the third time since World War II the Steelers have won a game while being outrushed by 170+ yards-and all three of those wins came in Baltimore (2020, 2021, 2025). That’s not just resilience; that’s a rivalry mindset.
Colts Call on a Familiar Face: Philip Rivers Could Return
In one of the most surprising developments of the season, the Indianapolis Colts are bringing in 44-year-old Philip Rivers for a workout on Tuesday. Yes, that Philip Rivers-the one who last played in 2020, has 10 kids, and just became a grandfather. The Colts, reeling after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury, are exploring whether Rivers has enough left in the tank to join the practice squad.
If he does sign, Rivers would instantly become the oldest player in the NFL, edging out Aaron Rodgers (42). More intriguingly, the Hall of Fame implications are real: if Rivers is signed to the active roster, his five-year eligibility clock resets.
If he only joins the practice squad, it doesn’t. That’s a wrinkle worth watching, especially since Rivers is currently one of 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
The Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard in the meantime-who, in a fun twist, is the same age as Rivers’ oldest daughter, Halle. It’s a full-circle moment that underscores just how wild this potential comeback would be.
Ravens Frustrated After Costly Calls in Steelers Loss
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn’t hold back after Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh, voicing his frustration with several officiating decisions. Among the calls in question: Isaiah Likely’s overturned touchdown, a reversed interception involving Rodgers, and a questionable unnecessary roughness penalty on Travis Jones during a field goal attempt.
“It’s about as clear as mud right now,” Harbaugh said when asked for clarification, summing up the confusion many Ravens fans are feeling after a game that slipped away late.
Shannon Sharpe Calls Out Isaiah Likely
Former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe added fuel to the fire, ripping into Isaiah Likely for repeated ball security issues. On his “Nightcap” podcast, Sharpe didn’t mince words:
“How many times, Likely, are you gonna get the ball punched out? You don’t get style points for touchdowns... Actions without consequences, no lesson can be learned.”
Likely’s fumble in the end zone wasn’t just a missed opportunity-it may have been the turning point in a game that Baltimore desperately needed to win to stay in the division race.
If the Season Ended Today…
With the current standings, the Steelers would host the Los Angeles Chargers in the opening round of the playoffs. Both teams are 9-4, but the Chargers hold the tiebreaker over Buffalo. If Pittsburgh wins the North, they’re likely looking at the No. 4 seed-meaning a high-stakes home playoff game could be on the horizon.
Highsmith Delivers in the Clutch
Alex Highsmith came up big when it mattered most, recording a game-sealing sack on Lamar Jackson with just nine seconds left on the clock. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger broke down the play, highlighting how Highsmith saved his best rush for the final snap. It was a textbook example of closing out a game with authority-something Pittsburgh’s defense has made a habit of this season.
Around the AFC North and Beyond
- The Steelers’ deep passing game finally clicked against the Ravens, offering a glimpse of what this offense might look like when it’s firing on all cylinders. That’s a development worth watching as they push toward the postseason.
- Linebacker Patrick Queen, facing his former team, played with a chip on his shoulder and silenced some of the lingering doubts about his consistency. His presence was felt all game long.
- Steelers cornerback James Pierre earned some extra bragging rights after helping shut down his cousin-Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson-in a critical divisional win.
- Elsewhere, DK Metcalf continues to make headlines for all the right reasons, proving once again that he’s not your typical diva wide receiver. And there’s optimism in Miami, where the Dolphins expect to get a key starter back just in time for their showdown with Pittsburgh.
As Week 15 approaches, the Steelers are riding a wave of momentum, the Colts are flirting with a comeback for the ages, and the AFC playoff picture is starting to take shape. Buckle up-December football is here, and it’s delivering in a big way.