Completed: The Houston Texans secured a decisive win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night in the 2026 NFL Wild-Card round, concluding the game with a commanding score of 30-6 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The contest was part of the opening round of the 2025–26 NFL postseason schedule and determined the Texans’ advancement to the Divisional Round.

The game began in the evening on January 12, 2026, with the Steelers initially taking a 3-0 lead in the first quarter via a field goal. The Texans responded in the second quarter, taking a 7-3 advantage with a touchdown pass before halftime. After a scoreless third quarter from both sides, Houston broke the game open in the fourth with a series of key defensive and offensive plays.

Houston’s defense forced multiple turnovers and converted them into points. A strip-sack of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers resulted in a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Sheldon Rankins early in the fourth quarter. Later in the quarter, Calen Bullock intercepted a Pittsburgh pass and returned it 50 yards for another defensive touchdown, extending the Texans’ lead.

Offensively for Houston, wide receiver Christian Kirk finished with a game-high performance, recording 144 receiving yards and a touchdown, while rookie running back Woody Marks ran for more than 100 yards and scored. Steelers offensive production was limited to only two field goals, and Pittsburgh finished with just 175 total yards of offense for the night.

With the win, the Texans earned their first ever road playoff victory in franchise history and will advance to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Pittsburgh’s season concluded with the loss, extending their postseason win drought.

Sources
2025–26 NFL playoffs – Texans vs. Steelers recap
Texans dominate Steelers in wild‑card playoff game