WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Baltimore Ravens, fueled by a brutally efficient performance from quarterback Lamar Jackson and a fearsome running game spearheaded by Derrick Henry, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 to launch their National Football League (NFL) playoff campaign.

Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 82 yards to supplement Henry’s 186 rushing yards as the Ravens advanced to the AFC divisional round where they’ll face either the second-seeded Buffalo Bills or the Houston Texans — who beat the Los Angeles Chargers in the first AFC wild card game 32-12.

Jackson, a favorite to claim a third regular-season Most Valuable Player award who is seeking to shake a disappointing playoff history, threw two touchdown passes in the first half.

Henry added a rushing score to put Baltimore up 21-0 at halftime.

Baltimore drove 95 yards for a touchdown on their first possession, Jackson hitting Rashod Bateman with a 15-yarder for the score.

Then came a 13-play scoring drive that was all running plays — the last an eight-yard touchdown by Henry.

Jackson completed six straight passes on their final drive of the half, hitting Justice Hill with a five-yard scoring pass with two seconds on the clock.

The Steelers, who reeled into the playoffs having lost their last four regular-season games, got on the board in the third quarter when quarterback Russell Wilson hit Van Jefferson with a 30-yard scoring pass.

But Baltimore promptly responded, Henry powering 44 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-7.

Minutes later the Steelers clawed back another TD, Wilson firing a 36-yard pass to George Pickens who spun through the defense and into the end zone.

Wilson completed 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards but the Steelers, who reeled into the playoffs having lost their last four regular-season games, have now lost six straight postseason contests — a skid dating back to 2016.

Henry said the Ravens will remain focused on the ultimate goal — the Super Bowl on 8 February.

“This is step one,” he said.

“We’re going to enjoy this one and then get back to work. It’s a great win, but we’ve got three more.”