CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns and Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers interact after the Cleveland Browns won the game at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The Pittsburgh Steelers controlled their own destiny heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. A win would have clinched the AFC North and secured a top-four seed in the playoffs.

However, missing several players due to suspension or injury, Pittsburgh struggled offensively and fell 13–6, dropping to 9–7. That loss sets up a win-or-go-home scenario in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, with the winner taking the division and the loser being eliminated from postseason contention.

For Pittsburgh, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 21-of-39 passes for 168 yards with no turnovers. Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders went 17-of-23 for 186 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while also rushing four times for 20 yards.

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After the game, cameras captured Rodgers’ postgame interaction with Sanders, during which he made it clear he’s proud of the rookie.

“Good job, man,” Rodgers said. “Rooting for you, proud of you, happy for you. Stay up.”

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Earlier in the week, Rodgers praised Sanders and his development following a dramatic draft-day slide. Sanders, who played at Colorado under his father, Deion Sanders, was a player Rodgers briefly faced early in his career.

“I’ve followed number 12’s career. I was pulling for him. It was a tough draft slide, but he’s been patient, worked on his craft, and has been playing really well,” Rodgers said.

Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns and Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers interact after the Cleveland Browns won the game at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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This could very well be the only meeting between the two quarterbacks, as Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers. While he hasn’t confirmed his future during the season, he made it known before the year that this would likely be his final NFL season at age 42.

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