Steelers Seek to Break Playoff Drought Against Texans
Pittsburgh, 13 January 2026 – The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, host the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers aim to end a nine-year playoff win drought, while the Texans, boasting the NFL’s top defence, look to extend their nine-game winning streak.
Game Overview
The Steelers (10-7) enter the matchup with a six-game postseason losing streak since 2017, having lost their last playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round last season. Coach Mike Tomlin has no interest in dwelling on past failures, focusing instead on executing against the Texans’ formidable defence, ranked first in points allowed at 17.4 per game.
The Texans (12-5), fresh off a nine-game regular-season win streak, are 5-3 away from home but have never won a playoff game on the road in their 24-year history. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, will face Rodgers, who has 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns this season.
Key Facts
| Team | Record | Points For | Points Against | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 | 397 | 387 | Aaron Rodgers (QB, 3,322 pass yards) |
| Houston Texans | 12-5 | 404 | 295 | C.J. Stroud (QB, 3,041 pass yards) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the game?
The game is scheduled for 13 January 2026 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with kickoff at 8:15 pm ET (1:15 am AEDT on 14 January).
What are the injury concerns?
For the Steelers, defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk is out with an ankle injury. For the Texans, running back Jawhar Jordan is out with an ankle injury, and cornerback Ajani Carter is questionable with a hamstring issue.
Who are the favourites?
The Texans are slight favourites, with odds around HOU -3.0 and a total of 38 points, according to betting lines.