Completed: In the 2026 NFL AFC Wild-Card playoff game held on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, the Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6, closing out the game decisively and advancing in the postseason. This was Houston’s first road playoff victory in franchise history and marked the conclusion of the Steelers’ 2025 campaign.

The game started with the Steelers taking a 3–0 lead on a first-quarter field goal, but the Texans responded with a second-quarter touchdown, taking a 7–3 advantage into halftime. Houston’s defense dominated the second half, scoring 23 unanswered points to secure the win.

Defensive plays were pivotal for the Texans. A strip-sack forced on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Sheldon Rankins in the fourth quarter, and later a Calen Bullock interception was returned for another score. Houston outgained Pittsburgh 408 yards to 175 yards overall.

Rodgers, the veteran future Hall of Fame quarterback, finished the night with limited offensive production, completing 17 of his 33 pass attempts for 146 yards with one interception. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph entered late in the fourth quarter after the game was out of reach.

The Steelers’ postseason struggles continued as this loss extended their playoff win drought, while the Texans prepare to face the New England Patriots in the next round of the AFC playoffs.

Sources
Texans dominate Steelers, Aaron Rodgers in wild-card matchup
2025–26 NFL playoffs summary