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The Cleveland Browns held on to defeat the Steelers on Sunday, 13-6, giving rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders a marquee win of his rookie season and forcing a matchup for the AFC North division title between Pittsburgh and the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers’ final play of the game had NFL fans calling for a penalty flag.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (David Richard/AP Photo)
Aaron Rodgers hoped to find wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 21 seconds left. However, Browns cornerback Denzel Ward was on Valdes-Scantling to break up the play and help Cleveland secure the victory.
Ward appeared to jump with Valdes-Scantling simultaneously, raising his arms as the pass entered Rodgers’ intended goal. Ward didn’t look at the ball and there appeared to be contact between him and the receiver when the ball came in.
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No flag was thrown on the play and Cleveland won. Fans wondered why there was no defensive pass interference on the play.
Despite two tough interceptions, Sanders did enough to keep the Browns ahead. He found Harold Fannin Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Kicker Andre Szmyt hit two field goals and that was all the Browns needed.
Sanders was 17-of-23 with 186 passing yards and was sacked twice.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and safety Donovan McMillon (31) celebrate after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)
Rodgers, without his top target in DK Metcalf, was 21-of-39 for 168 yards. He made a pinpoint pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth to keep the Steelers’ final drive alive. The team just couldn’t get it done in the final seconds.
Freiermuth had three catches for 63 yards.
The Steelers’ loss means they will face the Ravens for the division title and a playoff spot in the Week 18 finale.
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Baltimore came out victorious in its matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. The team used Derrick Henry a lot, who scored four touchdowns.
The Steelers won the previous game against the Ravens, 27-22, back in Week 14.
