NFL Panic Meter: What’s on the line in Week 18, including Aaron Rodgers playing perhaps his last game

Frank Schwab, Senior writer

Aaron Rodgers has played in 285 NFL games, including playoffs. He might have just one left.

That is yet to be determined, including Rodgers’ decision on whether he’ll play again next season. The immediate issue at hand is that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to win or their season — and perhaps Rodgers’ incredible career — is done.

The Steelers did this to themselves. All they had to do to clinch the AFC North was beat the Cleveland Browns, who were 3-12 before Sunday. But the Browns got their fourth win as Rodgers didn’t lead a single touchdown drive in a 13-6 loss.

None of the Steelers want their season to end Sunday night after they play the Baltimore Ravens. But most will return next season. Rodgers suggested months ago this will be his last season. He has played well enough that coming back for another season shouldn’t be out of the question. Given how many teams need quarterbacks, he’d likely find a job if he wants one.

But at age 42, retirement is a constant storyline. All that’s certain is Rodgers’ season ends with a loss in prime time Sunday. His final moments, including walking off the field for perhaps the final time, would overshadow a Ravens win. It would be great theater.

While Rodgers has plenty of detractors, he’s unquestionably one of the greatest players in NFL history. He has four NFL MVPs, more than everyone except Peyton Manning. He has the highest passer rating in league history at 102.3. He has more than 65,000 yards and 500 touchdowns, a club that has just five members: Rodgers, Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre.

Losing two straight win-and-in games is not the way Rodgers wants his career to end. He might have one shot to keep a 21-year career going.

Panic meter: It would be a long offseason for the Steelers with a loss, and perhaps an endless offseason for Rodgers

Here’s the rest of the panic meter for Week 18, and who has the most on the line:

What happens if the Ravens lose?

The stakes for Ravens-Steelers go far beyond a division title.

The losing team could be in for some major changes. The Steelers have the Aaron Rodgers retirement question, and there will also be more speculation over Mike Tomlin’s future as head coach if the Steelers blow a lead in the AFC North and miss the playoffs.

The Ravens have a complicated situation too. With a reported rift between head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson, would the Ravens run it back if they miss the playoffs after being considered a top Super Bowl contender in the preseason? General manager Eric DeCosta would have the most challenging offseason of his career with a loss. Maybe even with a win and a division title. At very least, he would need to find a way to improve the roster to get the Ravens back to a Super Bowl. Or he might be looking at a much bigger change.

Panic meter: The shape of the Ravens going forward might depend on Sunday night’s result

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