Ravens' 2026 season finale suddenly takes on fascinating new layer

There’s no shortage of anticipation around the Baltimore Ravens entering the 2026 NFL season. From the excitement of the new after hiring Jesse Minter, to offseason additions like Trey Hendrickson, there’s a different feeling in the building.

The Ravens are looking to get back into the playoffs in 2026, and the hope is, their playoff woes wash away, too. The team also has plenty of opportunities for revenge. Like usual, their matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be among their top games to watch.

Last year, Baltimore was swept by Pittsburgh, which included a heartbreaking Week 18 loss. In this year’s schedule release, they learned they’d once again be facing the Steelers in the regular-season finale. And on Wednesday, that end-of-year showdown got an interesting new layer with Aaron Rodgers’ announcement that 2026 would be his last.

Sending Rodgers into retirement with a loss would be very sweet.

Baltimore Ravens have an extra motivator in late-season matchups with Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has been a thorn in the Baltimore Ravens' side for the entirety of his career. He’s 5-1 against the Ravens, and that one loss doesn’t even really count. He came into the game in relief of Brett Favre late in a 2005 blowout. So really, he’s 5-0 as a starter. Undoubtedly, Baltimore should be looking to get that first win against him in 2026.

Of course, the rivalry with Rodgers isn’t really long-standing. It didn’t even really begin until he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Still, when he’s undefeated against a very successful franchise, and two of those wins played a key role in eliminating them from the playoffs in 2025, there’s reason to feel vindictive. The Ravens should want the last laugh.

What adds so much more fuel to the idea of revenge is the fact that this is the Steelers’ quarterback we are talking about. The organization been in desperate search for a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and while Rodgers has kept their heads above water, Baltimore could send their heated rival back into QB purgatory with a win in Week 18.

Now, there might not be much on the line in Week 18. Hopefully, the Ravens have already clinched the playoffs by then. And in the Steelers' case, maybe they aren’t playing for anything either, and Rodgers doesn’t suit up. If that’s the case, then Week 15 against Pittsburgh could be the golden opportunity to drive a franchise-altering win into the heart of the Steel City.

Ultimately, to be honest, we can’t really be sure that this year will be Rodgers’ last until he officially announces his retirement. You can never be too sure what the 42-year-old’s next move will be. But regardless of how the rest of his career plays out, the Ravens should be looking to sweep the Steelers no matter what.

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