Pittsburgh (AP) – In a true crime thriller, the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers were the last team in the National Football League to qualify for the first round of the playoffs. In the decisive match for a place in the knockout round, the Steelers won against the Baltimore Ravens 26:24 (3:10) and will host the Houston Texans next Monday (local time). For Baltimore and quarterback Lamar Jackson, however, the season is over.
The Rodgers team benefited from a missed field goal by Ravens kicker Tyler Loop with two seconds left. A successful attempt from 44 yards (around 40 meters) would have given the Ravens a 27:26 victory and a place in the playoffs. Before that, both teams delivered a spectacular final phase with constant changes in the lead.
Pairings for the first playoff round have been determined
In addition to the duel between the Steelers and the Titans, the so-called wild card round in the AFC features the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Buffalo Bills.
In the NFC, the second-seeded Chicago Bears will face the injury-hit Green Bay Packers in the first round. Defending champion Philadelphia Eagles face the San Francisco 49ers, and the Carolina Panthers host the Los Angeles Rams in the first playoff match next Saturday.
Bye for Broncos and Seahawks
With the Denver Broncos’ 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos secured the AFC title with 14 wins from 17 games. Like the Seattle Seahawks, who also have 14 wins, they are first in the NFC and only enter the second round of the playoffs. Both teams would play possible home arena matches until the Super Bowl on February 8th at the San Francisco 49ers stadium in Santa Clara.
Consequences for the Falcons after playoff exit
The narrow miss of the playoffs had immediate consequences for those responsible for the sport of the Atlanta Falcons. Team owner Arthur Blank confirmed the separation of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot immediately after the last game against the New Orleans Saints (19:17).
