Fresh off clinching the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers host the surging Houston Texans in the AFC wild card round on Jan. 12 (8:15 p.m. ET), boosted by wide receiver DK Metcalf's return from suspension. With new momentum and a healthy roster, Pittsburgh faces Houston's elite defense amid varied analyst takes and potential weather impacts at Acrisure Stadium.
Building on their dramatic Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that secured the AFC North title and first home playoff game since 2017, the Steelers (with four wins in their last five) welcome back star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Suspended for two games after an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan in Week 16, Metcalf—59 receptions, 850 yards, six TDs in 15 games—is back on the 53-man roster. "I’m excited as hell to be back in the building around my teammates," Metcalf said. Coach Mike Tomlin added on The Rich Eisen Show: “He’s sick about it... I’m tired of hearing him apologize. It’s behind us now.” The offense showed grit without him but struggled overall.
The Texans (12-5, nine-game winners) bring the NFL's top defense (183.5 passing yards allowed/game), testing QB Aaron Rodgers. Pro-Rodgers voice Equanimeous St. Brown: “Give me A-Rod to fucking wipe them... If there’s anyone that can pick apart a defense, it’s fucking Aaron Rodgers.” ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is skeptical: “The Steelers... have given you nothing to believe that they’re gonna win a playoff game.”
Houston GM Nick Caserio cautioned: “Playing in Pittsburgh in the playoffs is probably unlike any other experience... weathering the storm a little bit.” Pittsburgh's fourth-ranked defense in takeaways could target Houston's 18th-ranked offense and 0-6 road playoff record. Ex-Steeler Chris Hoke: “If they play like they played against the Ravens... they’re gonna have no problem controlling this Texans’ offensive line.”
A recent Browns loss served as a wake-up call (per Gerry Dulac), sharpening focus. With Tomlin's job secure (per Tony Dungy), the Steelers aim to snap a six-game playoff skid. Early momentum and weather at Acrisure could decide this clash.
