ST.BREAKING: Four referees who officiated the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have been suspended pending investigation after the NFL discovered they overlooked multiple Browns violations that significantly affected the outcome of the game, causing the Steelers to unfairly lose.

In one of the most unexpected storylines of Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, the **Cleveland Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 13–6 upset victory at Huntington Bank Field — a result now overshadowed by a major officiating controversy. After a thorough review, the

NFL has suspended four referees who worked the game, concluding that multiple blatant Browns violations were overlooked or improperly enforced, and that those missed calls significantly impacted the flow and outcome of the matchup.

Browns Shock Steelers, But Officiating Under the Microscope

The Browns entered the game as clear underdogs against a Steelers squad (9–7) still hunting the AFC North title

and a potential playoff berth. But Cleveland played inspired football, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders leading the offense efficiently and connecting on key plays, including a touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. that proved to be the game‑winning score. Kicker Andre Szmyt added two field goals — including a 50‑yard bomb — to seal the victory. 

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, was frustrated in the red zone all game, failing to punch the ball into the end zone despite moving the chains at times.

Aaron Rodgers finished with 168 passing yards, and Chris Boswell contributed two field goals, but the Steelers couldn’t find the end zone and ultimately came up short. Late in the fourth quarter, a controversial no‑call on a potential

defensive pass interference in the end zone — when the Steelers drove deep — left fans and commentators outraged. Many felt the penalty should have been flagged, a moment that could have changed the course of the game.  

League Actions Spark Outrage

After the game, NFL officiating leadership conducted a detailed re‑evaluation of the crew’s performance. The league concluded that several critical infractions — most notably holding and illegal motion penalties committed by the Browns on key downs

— were missed or overlooked during pivotal sequences that extended drives and helped Cleveland control time of possession. These oversights were deemed serious enough that the NFL suspended all four referees from the matchup and placed them on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation.

This is one of the more dramatic instances in recent years of officials being disciplined in such a public fashion, reflecting growing pressure from fans and analysts alike over officiating consistency — especially in games with significant playoff consequences.

Impact on Playoff Race

The loss for Pittsburgh dramatically alters the NFC North and AFC playoff picture. The Steelers, falling to 9–7, now face a winner‑take‑all matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18

to determine the AFC North champion and a playoff berth. Baltimore, sitting at 8–8, clinches the division with a win due to a tiebreaker advantage. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s upset moves their record to

4–12, snapping a four‑game losing streak and giving the Browns a rare divisional victory.  

Steelers React, Fans Outraged

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged his team didn’t score enough points on Sunday, but stopped short of publicly criticizing officiating. “We didn’t make enough plays today, and they did,” Tomlin said — a measured response that nonetheless comes amid one of the NFL’s most explosive officiating controversies all season.

But fans and pundits were less restrained, with many taking to social media to blast the crew and call for increased accountability. “When missed calls shape the playoff fate of a franchise, it’s more than a bad whistle — it’s a credibility issue,” said one former NFL analyst on X.

Looking Ahead

With both teams heading into pivotal Week 18 showdowns, this controversial finish will linger. The Steelers’ destiny is now in the balance against the Ravens, while the Browns can take confidence from a signature win and the rare spotlight that comes from defeating an AFC North contender.

Vikings Reveal Major Injury Updates Before Packers Game

The Minnesota Vikings are riding a four-game win streak heading into their Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers on January 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Moreover, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared the latest injury updates on other key players not named J.J. McCarthy.

“I would put Brian O’Neill, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones all in the same category of progress as the week goes on, and see if we can have as many of those guys, or all of them if possible,” O’Connell told reporters on December 29.

Minnesota overcame the injuries, with Aaron Jones Sr. the only player among these four names on the list to play in the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions. It will be interesting to see whether all four players can suit up against the Packers and have the Vikings end the season on a five-game win streak.

Nonetheless, two players who are unlikely to play in that contest against Green Bay are Elijah Williams and Myles Price.

“Really, only two players, Myles Price and Elijah Williams, are not going to be able to make it for the game,” O’Connell added. “Both those guys have ankles. Don’t necessarily see either one as super significant, but with only one game left, those guys are likely not to play this week.”

Vikings Announce J.J. McCarthy Latest

Meanwhile, the Vikings shared an update on their quarterback and noted that he is a possibility to play in the regular season finale, so he can end his first year as the starting signal-caller on a positive note.

“Swelling in that hand has come down a little bit,” O’Connell said. “Really, it’s just gonna be about working through it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like and if he can possibly give it a go this week. That will be something I’ll keep you guys posted on.”

Vikings Begin to Look Toward 2026

Minnesota have already started looking toward the offseason despite having one game left. Moreover, the front office will need to decide what to do with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is in the final year of his contract and can leave.

Nonetheless, O’Connell spoke with reporters and expressed his hope to retain Flores as his defensive coordinator.

“We have [had contract extension talks]; it goes back a long way before those reports,” O’Connell told reporters. “We’ve had recent [and] very good dialogue. Flo knows I love him. He was the guy three years ago that I identified to bring in here, and the growth, and just our relationship, and what he’s meant to me personally is so massive.

“That’s not even taken into account what he’s been able to do defensively for our team and been such a huge part of helping us daily, minute to minute, weather the different storms we had to navigate this year. Things are in a really positive place right now. I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”