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Crunch.
That was the sound of Houston Texans players colliding with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter of their Wild Card Round matchup, causing him to lose the ball. Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins picked up the ball and ran it to the end zone for what felt like the knockout blow, even though there was still plenty of time to play.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) loses possession while being tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
It was that type of game for both teams — a defensive battle — as Houston rallied for a 30-6 victory. It was the franchise’s first road playoff victory.
There were big hits and little room for error. Houston led 7-6 at halftime thanks to a touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Christian Kirk.
Although the Texans turned the ball over three times between the first half and the third quarter, the Steelers could only muster three points. Houston’s defensive prowess was on display on every snap as Rodgers had little to no time to make a decision.
When he had time to throw, wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Calvin Austin III either dropped the ball or were a hair’s breadth away. Rodgers also had a couple of his passes dropped.
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs to the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
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Steelers fans let the team hear it with plenty of boos. Pittsburgh extended its playoff losing streak to seven games.
Texans running back Woody Marks ran for 100 yards for the first time in his career and scored a touchdown to really seal the win. Texans defensive back Calen Bullock returned an interception for a touchdown late in the game.
Stroud finished 21-of-32 with 250 passing yards and the touchdown pass. The Texans’ defense sacked Rodgers four times. Rankins was good for 1.5 sacks.
The Steelers had almost no offense the entire game. The team was held to 175 yards and outscored 23-0 in the fourth quarter.
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud throws during the first half of the NFL wildcard playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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Houston will take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
