The NFL regular season concluded in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, with the 272nd and final game delivering a finish that perfectly encapsulated a chaotic year. The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, snatched a playoff berth from their bitter rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in a heart-stopping finale that came down to the very last kick.
King of the North Decided by Final-Second Drama
With the AFC North division title and a postseason spot on the line, the Steelers and Ravens played out a classic arm-wrestle that exploded in the fourth quarter. The game saw a combined 27 points scored in the final stanza, setting the stage for a legendary ending.
Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers appeared to seal the win for Pittsburgh with a clutch comeback touchdown pass in the final minute, putting the Steelers up 26-24. However, the drama was far from over. The Steelers' kicker, who had made 89 consecutive attempts, shockingly missed the extra point, leaving the door ajar for Baltimore.
Ravens' two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson capitalised with a miraculous fourth-and-seven completion with just 21 seconds remaining, setting up a potential game-winning field goal. In a stunning twist, Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed the kick wide right on the final snap of the game, handing victory to Pittsburgh and condemning Baltimore to a devastating offseason.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape for Wildcard Weekend
The Steelers' victory sets up a home Wildcard Round clash against the Houston Texans (12-5), who boast one of the league's most feared defences. Elsewhere in the AFC, the Denver Broncos (14-3) secured the top seed and a first-round bye. They will await the lowest-seeded winner from the wildcard round, which could be the Buffalo Bills (12-5) if they can upset the Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4).
In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) own the number one seed. Their path after the bye could see them face a division rival in the Los Angeles Rams (12-5), who drew the Carolina Panthers (8-9). Intriguing matchups also see the Green Bay Packers (9-7) visiting the Chicago Bears (11-6), and the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) travelling to face the struggling Philadelphia Eagles (11-6).
Black Monday Brings Coaching Changes
As the regular season ended, the NFL's annual 'Black Monday' tradition of coaching dismissals began. The Atlanta Falcons parted ways with coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot despite winning their final four games, following consecutive 8-9 seasons. They joined the New York Giants' Brian Daboll and Tennessee Titans' Brian Callahan, who were fired midseason.
Further changes are expected, with Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll and Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reportedly on the chopping block. Speculation also surrounds the future of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh after the team's crushing final-day collapse.
The stage is now set for a postseason filled with compelling storylines, from Rodgers' playoff return to the Seahawks' bold quarterback gamble paying off. After a regular season finale that defied belief, the road to the Super Bowl promises to be a wild ride.
