The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Houston Texans in Monday night's AFC wild card round at Acrisure Stadium—their first home playoff game since 2020. Building on their Week 18 AFC North clinch and DK Metcalf's return from suspension, Pittsburgh (10-7 under Aaron Rodgers) seeks a first playoff win since 2016 against C.J. Stroud's surging Texans, who boast the NFL's second-fewest points allowed after nine straight victories.
Pittsburgh's dramatic Week 18 triumph over the Ravens, capped by Calvin Austin III's touchdown reception from Rodgers, sets up this pivotal clash. The Steelers must overcome a playoff skid, including four straight wild-card losses and a 70-game streak of seven or fewer first-quarter points, by starting fast against Houston's fearsome front: Pro Bowler Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks), Danielle Hunter (15 sacks), and interior linemen Tommy Togiai and Sheldon Rankins. Pittsburgh's revamped offensive line, anchored by Dylan Cook at left tackle, will be tested.
Defenses dominate the narrative, with Pittsburgh's fourth-ranked turnover differential (+12, including 15 INTs and 12 fumble recoveries) targeting Stroud (0-2 road playoffs). The Texans counter with the NFL's best margin (+17, 19 INTs, 10 recoveries), led by deep threat Nico Collins (15.7 yards per catch)—a coverage challenge for the Steelers.
Rodgers, fresh off a 10-6 debut season, emphasized winning and hinted at a 2026 return while praising Mike Tomlin. James Harrison affirmed Tomlin's job security. Standouts include selfless tight end Pat Freiermuth (Heath Miller comparisons), versatile back Kenneth Gainwell (73 receptions, 1,000+ scrimmage yards), and confident edge rusher Alex Highsmith: "Everyone on our defense trusts each other." Metcalf adds firepower post-suspension.
Odds list Houston as 3-point favorites, but models project Pittsburgh to cover in this battle of defenses.
