The Texans (12-5), riding a nine-game winning streak into the postseason, showcased why their defense ranks as the NFL's elite unit. They held the Steelers to just 175 total yards, including a measly 146 passing from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers — a performance that may have marked the 42-year-old's final NFL snap. Houston's defense turned the game into a rout in the fourth quarter, scoring twice on takeaways: Sheldon Rankins recovered a fumble forced by Will Anderson Jr. and returned it for a touchdown, while Calen Bullock sealed the blowout with a 50-yard pick-six off Rodgers.
C.J. Stroud, despite three turnovers (two fumbles and an interception), didn't need to be spectacular as Houston's ground game took over. Rookie running back Woody Marks exploded for over 100 rushing yards, including a 13-yard touchdown run that put the game away late. Christian Kirk was Stroud's top target, hauling in eight catches for a Texans playoff-record 144 yards and a first-half touchdown that gave Houston a slim 7-6 halftime lead.
Pittsburgh (10-7), fresh off clinching the AFC North with a dramatic win over Baltimore, managed only two Chris Boswell field goals in the first half and went scoreless in the second. The Steelers' offense stalled repeatedly, unable to convert third downs or sustain drives against Houston's relentless pressure. Rodgers faced constant heat, and the run game was bottled up for just 44 yards. Questions now swirl about Mike Tomlin's future after another first-round exit — Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since 2016 — and whether this was Rodgers' swan song in a disappointing final season.
Houston's dominance was evident: they outgained Pittsburgh significantly on the ground (164-44), controlled time of possession, and capitalized when it mattered most in the fourth quarter with 23 unanswered points. Nico Collins exited with a concussion concern, but the Texans' depth and defensive stars like Anderson, Derek Stingley Jr., and Danielle Hunter carried the day.
This emphatic victory propels the Texans to the divisional round, where they'll face the New England Patriots on the road next Sunday. For Pittsburgh, the offseason begins with uncertainty at quarterback, coaching stability, and ending a long postseason drought.
A night Houston fans will remember forever — the Texans' defense didn't just win; they embarrassed a proud Steelers squad on their home turf. The road to the Super Bowl just got a whole lot redder for AFC contenders!
