Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept the door open for the Baltimore Ravens to sneak into the NFL playoffs after failing to take care of business in their Week 18 assignment against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
A win against the Browns would have given the Steelers the AFC North crown and a ticket to the NFL playoffs.
Instead, they will have to sweat it out in Week 18 against the Ravens at Acrisure Stadium as they suffered a 13-6 loss to Shedeur Sanders and company.
A win or a tie in Week 18 against Baltimore would get Pittsburgh to the postseason.
Aaron Rodgers share a moment with Browns rookie QB after Week 17 Steelers loss
Despite the unfavorable outcome of the Browns’ game, Rodgers was still classy enough to share a heartfelt message for Cleveland rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“Good job man,” Rodgers said. “Rooting for you, man. I’m proud of you. I’m happy for you.”
.@AaronRodgers12 and Mike Tomlin had some kind words for @ShedeurSanders postgame ❤️ (via @DeionSandersJr) pic.twitter.com/vBMhTlhhKG
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2025
Those must be encouraging words to hear for Sanders, whose father, Deion Sanders, faced Rodgers 20 years ago in 2005, during the then-Green Bay Packers signal-caller’s rookie season in the NFL.
Shedeur actually performed better than Rodgers in their head-to-head. The Browns QB passed for 186 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions on 17/23 completions, while Rodgers went 21/39 for 168 passing yards with zero touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Browns, who are already eliminated from contention for a spot in the NFL playoffs, will close out their regular season with a showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio this coming Sunday.
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