Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired, ending the Baltimore Ravens‘ hopes of the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Baltimore 26-24 on January 4, 2026, in the most dramatic Week 18 finish. Aaron Rodgers threw the go-ahead touchdown with 55 seconds left, sealing the AFC North title for Pittsburgh.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Steelers 26, Ravens 24
- Missed Kick: Tyler Loop’s 44-yard field goal attempt went wide right with no time remaining
- Game-Winning TD: Aaron Rodgers threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left
- AFC North: Pittsburgh clinches division title and playoff berth; Baltimore’s season ends without postseason appearance
How the Ravens Let Victory Slip Away
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Baltimore controlled much of Sunday’s playoff-deciding clash, building a 24-20 lead on Zay Flowers’ spectacular 64-yard touchdown reception. The Ravens appeared destined for a dramatic comeback after barely missing the playoffs in recent seasons. Everything pointed toward a Baltimore victory as the Steelers offense struggled.
That’s when Aaron Rodgers engineered a late-game drive that would define the night. With the Ravens’ defense tired and the clock winding down, Rodgers found receiver Calvin Austin III wide open in coverage for a 26-yard score with exactly 55 seconds remaining. Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell then missed the extra point, making the Ravens’ path to victory clear.
Tyler Loop’s Heartbreaking Miss Ends Everything
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Needing just a 44-yard field goal to send the game to overtime, the Ravens got into prime scoring position. Lamar Jackson led Baltimore downfield with precision, and the offense delivered when it mattered most. Loop, a rookie kicker drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 draft out of Arizona, lined up for what should have been his moment.
The kick sailed to the right, missing by mere feet as the final seconds ticked away. Baltimore’s season ended with that miss. Loop had made a 40-yard field goal earlier in the game, but this moment will define his rookie year in heartbreaking fashion.
| Stat | Baltimore | Pittsburgh |
| Final Score | 24 | 26 |
| Record | 8-8 | 9-7 |
| Playoff Result | Eliminated | AFC North Champions |
| Missed Extra Point | N/A | Chris Boswell |
Aaron Rodgers’ Final Moment in a Steelers Uniform
The 42-year-old quarterback delivered his most important drive in a Steelers uniform when the moment mattered most. Rodgers signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh after his return from injury, and this performance showcased exactly why the organization believed he could lead them back to relevance. His pinpoint pass to Calvin Austin III on a coverage bust proved to be the difference-maker.
Rodgers has hinted this season could be his last, making his clutch late-game performance even more symbolic. Whether this marks the end of his career or simply the end of his Pittsburgh tenure, he delivered when the Steelers needed him most. The Ravens, meanwhile, will spend the offseason wondering how they let one of their best opportunities slip away.
What Happens Next for Baltimore and the Steelers?
Pittsburgh advances as AFC North champions and will host the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. The Steelers secure the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs and get to play at home, a significant advantage. Baltimore’s season ends without a playoff appearance, a devastating conclusion after the team controlled much of the contest.
For the Ravens, questions will emerge about Tyler Loop’s future and whether the rookie kicker can recover from this pressure-packed moment. The organization invested heavily in Loop after Justin Tucker’s suspension, and his rookie season ends with the painful memory of a wide-right kick that cost Baltimore an entire playoff run.
“Thanks to the missed field goal, the Steelers are headed to the playoffs.”
— ESPN, Game Coverage
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and box score
- NBC Sports – Sunday Night Football broadcast coverage
- NFL Official – Official playoff bracket and seeding
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.