BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Ravens have long known they weren't going to make the playoffs this year, but they can celebrate being the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers may suffer the same fate.

Close Calls The Ravens-Steelers rivalry has had the most games decided by three points or fewer since the '02 division realignment: Teams Games Ravens vs. Steelers 16 Redskins vs. Cowboys 12 Chiefs vs. Chargers 11 Source: ESPN Stats & Information

Baltimore's 20-17 upset win over Pittsburgh did more than seal their third sweep of their AFC North rival. It ripped away control of their playoff fate from the Steelers.

Entering Sunday's game, Pittsburgh only had to beat the Ravens and the Browns to reach the postseason. Now, after the loss in Baltimore, the Steelers have to win Sunday and hope for the Jets to lose to the Bills or the Broncos lose their final two games.

"If we can't get in there, then you can't get in either," Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb said. "That's how we want it."

The suddenly hot Steelers had gained the label of being the team that no one wanted to see in the playoffs. Thanks to the Ravens, there's a chance no one will get to see the Steelers in the postseason.

Before the Ravens' game, the Steelers had a 91.7 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, according to ESPN analytics. Now, their chances are at 44.9 percent.

"It’s even sweeter that we may have ruined their playoff chances," nose tackle Brandon Williams said. "That’s the biggest icing on the cake."

This could make for an unusual January for the NFL. Only once in the past 15 seasons has the Ravens and Steelers both failed to make the playoffs.

In the locker room after the game, coach John Harbaugh told his players: "That’s a team that came in here expecting to win. But you know what? They should have known better.”