The National Football League’s regular season concluded with one of the most heart-stopping finales in recent memory, as a missed field goal determined playoff destinies in brutal fashion. Pittsburgh Steelers secured the AFC North division championship and a postseason berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop failed to convert a 44-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
The match between these historic rivals delivered unprecedented drama during Monday’s final round (Australian time), with the winner claiming both the division title and home-field advantage for the playoff’s opening week. Pittsburgh ultimately emerged victorious with a 26-24 scoreline, capping their campaign at 10-7 and setting up a home game against the Houston Texans.
The fourth quarter featured an explosive exchange of four touchdowns between the bitter adversaries. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell—previously perfect throughout the season—missed a critical extra point that would have provided a three-point cushion with merely one minute remaining. Baltimore superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson then engineered a clutch 26-yard completion to Isaiah Likely on fourth down, positioning the Ravens for what appeared to be a game-winning field goal.
However, Loop’s kick veered wide immediately upon contact, devastating the rookie and handing Pittsburgh their first division crown since 2020. The outcome also extends the career of 42-year-old Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster during post-game comments: “That sucks, that’s the worst part of this game. I’d rather have the ball in my hand. It’s been pretty emotional. I’m thankful for these guys, and I’m excited to go to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”
In related NFC South developments, the Atlanta Falcons dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot despite finishing with four consecutive victories. Owner Arthur Blank stated that although both individuals represented organizational values well, the results failed to meet expectations. The Falcons’ final victory over New Orleans ironically enabled Carolina to claim the division title despite losing to Tampa Bay, with all three teams finishing at 8-9 records.