Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive game coming up on Sunday Night Football against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens.
In the biggest game of the weekend, the winner will win the AFC North division title and will move on to the playoffs. However, the loser will see their season come to an end.
Last week, the Steelers missed an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth against the Cleveland Browns. Rodgers and the offense struggled all game long and that led to a crushing loss. Pittsburgh will need to come out much stronger in Week 18.
Read more: Browns Linked to Deion Sanders as Shocking Kevin Stefanski Replacement
Unfortunately, the Steelers will once again have to play without star wide receiver DK Metcalf. He will be the serving the second game of his two-game suspension that stemmed from an altercation with a fan in Detroit. Not having him on the field was a clear issue for Pittsburgh last week against the Browns.
Heading into this week’s game, Rodgers knows the playoffs are on the line. He also has a big cash incentive on the line.
As shared by Underdog NFL on X, Rodgers would earn an additional $500,000 bonus with a win over the Ravens.
Adding that extra motivation can only mean good things for the Steelers. Rodgers has had a great season in Pittsburgh and that has led to some hints about potentially coming back for another run in 2026.
Speaking of those hints, Rodgers recently spoke out about his NFL future. He didn’t commit one way or another, but he also didn’t commit to playing for the Steelers if he did choose to return for another year.
“Whenever the season ends, I’ll be a free agent,” Rodgers said. “That will give me a lot of options if I still want to play… maybe one or two.”
Read more: Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Fires Subtle Shot Back at Micah Parsons
So far the season in Pittsburgh, the 42-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback has played in 15 games. He has completed 65.6 percent of his pass attempts for 3,028 yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. There is still good football left in the tank.
That being said, the Steelers will kick off against Baltimore at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. A win would put Rodgers into the playoffs and give him a nice extra paycheck.
For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
