The 2025 NFL regular season ended in breathtaking fashion, with the final play of the final game deciding the last remaining play-off spot. A missed field goal in Pittsburgh sealed a dramatic victory for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Baltimore Ravens, sending the Steelers into the postseason and completing one of the most unpredictable NFL play-off line-ups in years.
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop’s missed attempt as time expired handed Pittsburgh the win, clinching the final AFC play-off berth and extending the legendary career of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will now feature in the play-offs once again.
Chaos on Final Sunday as NFL Play-Off Picture Takes Shape
The final Sunday of the regular season delivered drama across the league. While Pittsburgh booked the last available spot, other major outcomes unfolded simultaneously:
- The Denver Broncos secured the top seed in the AFC
- The Seattle Seahawks claimed the NFC’s number one seed
- The Carolina Panthers clinched a play-off place without playing
- The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South title
With all 14 play-off teams confirmed, the stage is set for a mouth-watering wildcard weekend.
Rodgers Leads Steelers Through Ravens Thriller
The 272nd and final game of the regular season turned into a classic showdown between long-time rivals, though not the defensive slugfest many expected.
Instead, quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson traded explosive touchdown drives, with four scores coming in a frantic fourth quarter of the 40th meeting between head coaches Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh.
Jackson struck deep twice, connecting with Zay Flowers on passes of 50 and 64 yards. Rodgers responded by throwing 47 passes and appeared to land the decisive blow with a touchdown to Calvin Austin with just 55 seconds remaining.
However, Jackson still engineered a rapid response, moving Baltimore into field-goal range with the final kick of the game set to decide the season. Loop’s 44-yard attempt drifted wide, sparking jubilant scenes at Acrisure Stadium.
Emotional Rodgers Eyes Another Play-Off Run
At 42 years old, Rodgers admitted the moment was emotional, with his future in the NFL still uncertain.
“It’s pretty emotional,” Rodgers said.
“It’s been a great year, and I’m excited to be going to the play-offs for the first time in a long while.”
The four-time NFL MVP recorded his 37th career game-winning drive and will now play in his 23rd career play-off game, his first in four years. Pittsburgh will host the Houston Texans in the wildcard round.
Final NFL Play-Off Seedings Confirmed
AFC Seedings
- Denver Broncos (14-3)
- New England Patriots (14-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Denver earned the top seed and a bye week after beating the Chargers, while New England settled for second despite matching the Broncos’ record.
NFC Seedings
- Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
Seattle have reached the Super Bowl in all three previous seasons they finished as the NFC’s top seed and will once again fancy their chances.
Wildcard Weekend Matchups
All times GMT
Saturday, 10 January
- Los Angeles Rams @ Carolina Panthers (21:30)
- Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (01:00, Sunday)
Sunday, 11 January
- Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00)
- San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles (21:30)
- Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots (01:00, Monday)
Monday, 12 January
- Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:00, Tuesday)
Records, Turnarounds and Historic Feats
The play-off field reflects one of the most dramatic turnaround seasons in recent NFL history:
- Five teams improved after losing at least 11 games last season
- Three division winners went from worst to first
- The Carolina Panthers became just the fifth team ever to reach the play-offs with a losing record
Meanwhile, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns broke the NFL single-season sack record with his 23rd sack, surpassing Michael Strahan’s long-standing mark.
The Los Angeles Rams finished as the league’s highest-scoring offense, averaging over 30 points per game, while quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a league-leading 42 touchdown passes.
In what could be his final NFL appearance, Travis Kelce also reached a historic milestone, becoming only the third tight end to surpass 13,000 career receiving yards.
An NFL Season for the Ages
With veteran stars, rookie head coaches, historic comebacks and last-second drama, the 2025 NFL season has delivered one of the most compelling finishes in league history. Now, attention turns fully to the play-offs, where the road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver and Seattle.
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