Aaron Rodgers-Lamar Jackson Handshake Surfaces After Steelers-Ravens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 12:09 AM ET

The final game of the regular season turned out to be one of the most thrilling contests of the campaign as Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers escaped with a 26-24 victory against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

Four touchdowns were scored in the fourth quarter as Rodgers and Jackson traded blows in a rivalry showdown that had major implications for both teams. With the win, Pittsburgh has now secured the AFC North and the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs. It’s the end of the line for the Ravens, though, as they have now been eliminated from postseason contention following Sunday’s heartbreaking loss.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Jackson did all he could for Baltimore in this one, registering 11-of-18 completed passes for 238 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, along with four carries for nine rushing yards. The two-time NFL MVP came up big for the Ravens in crunch time, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

It was Rodgers who came out on top in the end, though. The four-time All-Pro quarterback led his team to victory with 31-of-47 completed passes for 294 yards and one TD. Rodgers also rushed once for a 20-yard gain.

After the final whistle, the two legendary QBs exchanged words at center field. Rodgers and Jackson showed their respect to each other with a handshake following an incredible duel.

Aaron Rodgers-Lamar Jackson postgame handshake pic.twitter.com/z393lBRnue
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) January 5, 2026

The Steelers are now headed to the playoffs in what will be Rodgers’ first time back in the postseason in four years. They will face the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round on Monday, Jan. 12. Pittsburgh will host Houston in that winner-take-all showdown, with kickoff from Acrisure Stadium scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

The season for Jackson and the Ravens, on the other hand, has officially come to an end. This will be the first time Baltimore has missed the postseason in the last four years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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