Cameron Heyward (left) and Aaron Rodgers narrowly made the playoffs. © APA / JOE SARGENT

Pittsburgh secures last playoff spot in football thriller

The Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers qualified for the first playoff round in a real thriller as the last team in the National Football League.

05 January 2026

From: apa

In the decisive match for a place in the knockout round, the Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 (3-10) and will host the Houston Texans next Monday (local time). For Baltimore and quarterback Lamar Jackson, however, the season is over.

Rodgers' team benefited from a missed field goal by Ravens kicker Tyler Loop with two seconds remaining. A successful 44-yard (approximately 40 meters) attempt would have given the Ravens a 27-26 victory and a playoff berth. Prior to that, both teams engaged in a spectacular final stretch with numerous lead changes.

The pairings for the first playoff round have been determined.

Besides the duel between the Steelers and the Titans, the so-called Wild Card round in the AFC will feature the games New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Buffalo Bills.

Clayton Tune and the Packers face the Chicago Bears. © APA / DAVID BERDING

In the NFC, the second-seeded Chicago Bears will face the injury-plagued Green Bay Packers in the first round. Defending champions Philadelphia Eagles will take on the San Francisco 49ers, and the Carolina Panthers will host the Los Angeles Rams in the first playoff game next Saturday.

Broncos and Seahawks have a bye

With their 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Denver Broncos secured the AFC title with 14 wins in 17 games. Like the Seattle Seahawks, who also finished first in the NFC with 14 wins, they will enter the playoffs in the second round. Both teams would play any potential Super Bowl games at home in Santa Clara, the San Francisco 49ers' stadium, leading up to the Super Bowl on February 8.

Consequences for the Falcons after playoff exit

The Atlanta Falcons' narrow failure to qualify for the playoffs had immediate consequences for the team's management. Owner Arthur Blank confirmed the departure of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot directly after the final game against the New Orleans Saints (19-17).