Raiders vs. Steelers: A Legendary Rivalry
The Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry is one of the most iconic and heated in all of American football. The two teams have met 83 times in the regular season and playoffs, with the Steelers holding a slight 43-39-1 edge. However, the Raiders have won the last two meetings, including a 26-17 victory in the 2022 AFC Divisional Round.
The Early Years
The rivalry began in 1970, when the Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas. The two teams quickly developed a mutual dislike for each other, and their games were often physical and intense. In 1972, the Steelers defeated the Raiders in the AFC Championship Game, and the rivalry was cemented.
The 1970s and 1980s
The Raiders and Steelers continued to battle throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The two teams met in the AFC Championship Game three more times, with the Steelers winning twice and the Raiders winning once. In 1983, the Raiders defeated the Steelers in the Super Bowl, but the Steelers got their revenge in the 1984 AFC Championship Game.
The 1990s and 2000s
The rivalry cooled off somewhat in the 1990s and 2000s, but it was still a heated affair. The two teams met in the playoffs four times during this period, with the Steelers winning three of those meetings.
The 2010s and 2020s
The rivalry has been reignited in recent years, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs three times since 2010. The Raiders won the first two meetings, but the Steelers won the most recent meeting in the 2022 AFC Divisional Round.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Some of the most memorable moments in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry include:
- The Immaculate Reception (1972 AFC Divisional Round): The Steelers defeated the Raiders on a controversial touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw to Franco Harris, which helped the Steelers advance to the AFC Championship Game.
- The Oakland Raiders' 1983 Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XVIII): The Raiders defeated the Steelers 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII, which was the Raiders' first Super Bowl victory.
- The Steelers' 2005 AFC Championship Game victory (AFC Championship Game): The Steelers defeated the Raiders 21-18 in the 2005 AFC Championship Game, which was the Steelers' first AFC Championship Game victory since 1984.
The Rivalry Today
The Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry is still one of the most intense in the NFL today. The two teams are always competitive, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.
Transition Words**
- However
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- In contrast
- Therefore
Tables
Table 1: Raiders vs. Steelers Regular Season Record
| Year |
Raiders |
Steelers |
| 1970 |
L 19-20 |
W |
| 1971 |
L 10-34 |
W |
| 1972 |
L 21-31 |
W |
| 1973 |
L 14-27 |
W |
| 1974 |
W 28-24 |
L |
| 1975 |
L 7-21 |
W |
| 1976 |
W 24-21 |
L |
| 1977 |
L 17-27 |
W |
| 1978 |
W 34-31 |
L |
| 1979 |
L 20-31 |
W |
| 1980 |
W 24-17 |
L |
| 1981 |
L 20-31 |
W |
| 1982 |
T 17-17 |
T |
| 1983 |
W 38-10 |
L |
| 1984 |
L 10-20 |
W |
| 1985 |
L 17-28 |
W |
| 1986 |
L 14-34 |
W |
| 1987 |
L 14-20 |
W |
| 1988 |
L 17-27 |
W |
| 1989 |
L 17-23 |
W |
| 1990 |
L 21-24 |
W |
Table 2: Raiders vs. Steelers Playoff Record
| Year |
Raiders |
Steelers |
| 1972 |
L 13-21 |
W |
| 1974 |
L 17-33 |
W |
| 1976 |
L 7-24 |
W |
| 1980 |
L 13-31 |
W |
| 1983 |
W 31-19 |
L |
| 1984 |
L 18-20 |
W |
| 2002 |
L 7-36 |
W |
| 2016 |
L 14-30 |
W |
| 2022 |
L 17-26 |
W |
Table 3: Raiders vs. Steelers Super Bowl Record
| Year |
Raiders |
Steelers |
| 1983 |
W 38-9 |
L |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When discussing the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:
- confusing the Raiders with the Rams
- confusing the Steelers with the Browns
- referring to the Raiders as the Cowboys or the Eagles
- referring to the Steelers as the Ravens or the Bengals
- Using the term "Black and Gold" to refer to the Steelers (the term "Black and Gold" is used to refer to the Raiders)
- Using the term "Steel Curtain" to refer to the Raiders (the term "Steel Curtain" is used to refer to the Steelers' defense)
FAQs
1. Who has the most wins in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
The Steelers have the most wins in the rivalry, with a 43-39-1 record.
2. Who has the most Super Bowl wins in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
The Raiders have the most Super Bowl wins in the rivalry, with one win.
3. What is the most memorable moment in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
The most memorable moment in the rivalry is the Immaculate Reception, which occurred in the 1972 AFC Divisional Round.
4. Who is the best player in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
There is no clear consensus on who the best player in the rivalry is, but some of the most popular candidates include Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Mark Madden, & Kenny Stabler.
5. Who is the most hated player in the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
There is no clear consensus on who the most hated player in the rivalry is, but some of the most popular candidates include Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Ryan Shazier, & James Harrison.
6. What is the future of the Raiders vs. Steelers rivalry?
The future of the rivalry is bright. The two teams are always competitive, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.
Call to Action
If you are a fan of the Raiders or the Steelers, I encourage you to learn more about the rivalry. There are many great books and articles about the rivalry, and you can also find a lot of information online. I also encourage you to attend a Raiders vs. Steelers game in person. It is an experience that you will never forget.
