It was a fitting end to one of the most unpredictable NFL regular seasons in years as the final play of the final game decided the last play-off place. A missed field goal by Tyler Loop sealed a Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Baltimore Ravens, completing the post-season line-up and extending Aaron Rodgers’ season.
Late drama in Pittsburgh
The decisive moment came with the final kick of a thrilling game, as Loop’s attempt drifted wide and handed Pittsburgh the AFC North title and the final play-off berth. The result capped a final Sunday that also saw the Denver Broncos finish as the top seed in the AFC and the Carolina Panthers secure the last NFC play-off spot despite not playing.
Quarterback duel lights up rivalry
Rather than the usual defensive battle, the Ravens–Steelers clash turned into an offensive shootout. Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers traded scoring drives, with four touchdowns in a frantic fourth quarter. Rodgers appeared to have delivered the decisive blow with a late touchdown pass to Calvin Austin, but Jackson responded quickly to set up a potential winning kick that ultimately missed.
Rodgers reflects on emotional win
Rodgers, now 42, described the moment as emotional after guiding Pittsburgh into the play-offs. The win marked his 37th game-winning drive and means he will play in his 23rd career play-off game, his first in four years. Pittsburgh will host the Houston Texans in the wildcard round.
AFC and NFC seeds confirmed
Denver secured the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye, with Seattle doing the same in the NFC. The Broncos finished ahead of New England on a tiebreaker, while Jacksonville claimed the AFC South title. In the NFC, Seattle topped the standings, with Chicago, Philadelphia and Carolina also winning divisions, according to the NFL.
Wildcard match-ups take shape
The wildcard round features several high-profile ties, including Packers at Bears in a rare play-off meeting between historic rivals, and 49ers at Eagles in a rematch of recent post-season battles. The Rams travel to Carolina, while Buffalo face Jacksonville and the Chargers visit New England.
Records and season trends
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett broke the single-season sack record with 23, surpassing the previous mark set in 2001, according to the NFL. The play-off field also highlights dramatic turnarounds, with multiple teams improving from double-digit losses last season to division titles this year, underlining the volatility and competitiveness of the campaign.
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