Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers had the chance to clinch the AFC North division in Week 17.
However, Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns’ stellar defensive play will force Steelers’ fans to put their celebrations on hold for another week.
Aaron Rodgers Sounds Off on Controversial Final-Play No-Call
The Browns were able to pull off the upset by a score of 13-6, but it came with some controversy on the final play of the game. Rodgers was quick to make his feelings clear after the game.
On fourth-and-goal and down by seven with just seconds remaining, Rodgers targeted veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the corner of the end zone. In coverage was five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, who broke up the pass, but not without some contact.
Aaron Rodgers on his fourth-down throw to MVS at the end of Steelers-Browns:
“Definitely interference.”pic.twitter.com/zCpsZk3v13
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 28, 2025
When asked about the play post-game, Rodgers said, “That was definitely interference.”
On a play that could have potentially helped win the AFC North for the Steelers, Rodgers had no issues calling out what he thought was a missed call by the officials.
Post-game, Valdes-Scantling was also asked about the play in which he was targeted, saying he “could have got a call.”
Aaron Rodgers on the fourth down pass: “That was definitely interference.” https://t.co/BjNePmEbaf
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 28, 2025
Rodgers claimed the play was definitely interference, but the no-call gave the Browns the ball via a loss of downs, which ultimately ended the game. Valdes-Scantling was more hesitant to call out the officials, saying, “No call was made. That’s what it was.”
The Steelers’ offense had been mediocre coming into this game, making an elite Browns defense all the more difficult a matchup. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metrics, the Steelers offense had a score of 75.5 (C) coming into Week 17, ranking 17th in the league.
On the other hand, the Browns’ defense has been nothing short of dominant this season. Coming into the game, the unit had a score of 86.9 (B), which is fifth best in the NFL according to PFSN’s Defense Impact metrics.
The Browns’ defense was as good as advertised against the Steelers, holding Rodgers to 168 passing yards and no touchdowns.
Rodgers not getting the call on fourth down has now led to a winner-take-all game in the AFC North during Week 18. The 9-7 Steelers will host the 8-8 Baltimore Ravens, with the winner securing the division title and advancing to the playoffs.
Although the officials arguably missed a pass interference call on the final play, hope remains as Rodgers and the Steelers seek the franchise’s first division crown since 2020.
