In the concluding game of Wild Card Weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the Houston Texans. Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North title in a thrilling finish against the division rival Baltimore Ravens, winning by a missed field goal during the last play of the regular season. They wrapped up the season with a 10-7 record, having secured victories in four of their last five matchups. The Steelers are entering the playoffs with momentum.
On the other hand, the Houston Texans finished 12-5, securing second place in the AFC South, and ended the season as one of the league’s top teams. After a rough start (3-5 following a Week 9 defeat against the Broncos), they impressively won nine straight games to close out the year. Their strong defense has made them an imposing opponent.
Will the Texans be able to take down the Steelers on their home turf or will Pittsburgh secure a surprising victory? We’ll find out shortly. But first, here are the details of how to catch the game.
LIVE updates: Stay tuned for live updates on the Steelers vs. Texans playoff match.
Where to watch the game
- Date: Monday, Jan. 12
- Time: 8:15 PM ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh)
- TV Network: ABC/ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
- Follow Updates: CBS Sports App
- Betting Odds: Texans -3, O/U 38.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
Key Storylines
- Both Teams on a Winning Streak: The Steelers have claimed victory in four of their last five games while the Texans have won nine in a row. The Steelers have had only one turnover in this streak and consistently scored above 26 points in each of their wins. The Texans, meanwhile, have forced turnovers multiple times throughout their winning streak and have held opponents below 20 points in several contests.
- Aaron Rodgers’ Playoff History: After winning a Super Bowl early in his career, Rodgers has faced struggles in the playoffs with a record of 7-9 since then. He has a solid completion rate and touchdown-interception ratio but hasn’t played in a playoff game since the 2021 season. This looming challenge against a formidable defense will test his resolve.
- Dominant Houston Defense: The Texans rank first in yards allowed and points allowed, showcasing their exceptional defensive capabilities that make scoring difficult for opponents.
- Significance of This Matchup: With other playoff teams also competing, the outcome of this game determines who progresses further in the postseason. The winner will advance to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round, adding even more weight to the game’s significance.
Prediction
I’ve consistently underestimated the Steelers, but I cannot ignore the pressures they face against an elite Houston defense. Despite their championship pedigree, this matchup presents unique challenges for Pittsburgh. My pick: Texans 16, Steelers 10 (Texans -3, Under 38.5).
