So, you’re looking for the black and gold. Honestly, it's the question every Yinzer asks as soon as the church bells ring or the first pot of coffee finishes brewing on the weekend. If you are checking to see do the Pittsburgh Steelers play this sunday, the answer is a tough one for the 412: No, they do not.
The season is officially over in Pittsburgh.
It feels weird, right? Especially after the ride this team just took us on. After finishing the regular season at 10-7 and finally snapping that AFC North title drought with a gritty Week 18 win over Baltimore, expectations were sky-high. But the road ended abruptly this past Monday night.
What happened to the playoff run?
If you missed the Wild Card round on January 12, it wasn't pretty. The Steelers hosted the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium, and while the atmosphere was electric, the scoreboard was anything but. The Texans dismantled Pittsburgh 30-6.
👉 See also: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
It was a historic loss for all the wrong reasons. For the first time ever, the Steelers lost a home playoff game to Houston. The defense, which usually keeps things tight, just couldn't contain rookie Woody Marks, who gashed the line for over 100 yards. Even with Aaron Rodgers under center—entering his 21st season and trying to find that late-career magic—the offense looked completely out of sync. He was under fire all night, basically running for his life from Will Anderson Jr.
The end of the Mike Tomlin era
This is the part that’s still hard to wrap your head around. On January 13, just one day after the loss, Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach.
Nineteen seasons. 193 wins. One Super Bowl ring.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
He never had a losing season until... well, he never did. He leaves tied with the legendary Chuck Noll for the most wins in franchise history. It marks the end of a massive chapter in Pittsburgh sports. Without him on the sideline, the search for a new identity begins immediately.
Who is playing this Sunday?
Since the Steelers are out, the NFL moves on to the Divisional Round. If you still want to scratch that football itch on Sunday, January 18, 2026, here is what the schedule looks like:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC. After beating the Steelers, Houston heads to Foxborough to take on Drake Maye and the Pats.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the night cap at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Two teams that survived the NFC Wild Card gauntlet are fighting for a spot in the Championship game.
Basically, if you were hoping to see T.J. Watt chasing down a quarterback this weekend, you’ll have to wait until next September. It sucks, but that’s the reality of a seven-game postseason losing streak that now dates back to 2017.
🔗 Read more: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
Looking ahead to 2026
Even though the locker rooms are being cleared out, the 2026 opponents are already set. The schedule-makers aren't resting. Next year, the AFC North draws the AFC South and the NFC South.
You can expect some big home games at Acrisure. The Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Colts, and yes, those same Texans will be coming to town. On the road, the team travels to places like Philadelphia for an in-state showdown with the Eagles and even heads to Tampa Bay.
The big question mark? The quarterback. With Rodgers' future uncertain and a new head coach needed, the "Steel City" is about to enter one of the most unpredictable offseasons in decades.
Actionable next steps for fans
Since there is no game this Sunday, you don't have to worry about the wings and the beer—or maybe you do, just to drown the sorrows.
- Keep an eye on the coaching search: The front office, led by Omar Khan, is already vetting candidates. Names will start dropping on social media any minute now.
- Watch the Divisional Round: If you want to scout the competition for next year, the Texans-Patriots game on Sunday afternoon is the one to watch.
- Check your tickets: If you had "if necessary" playoff tickets for later rounds, start the refund process through your point of purchase now rather than waiting for the rush.
It’s a quiet Sunday in Pittsburgh. No Terrible Towels waving, no "Renegade" blaring in the fourth quarter. Just a long winter of wondering "what if" while the rest of the league plays on.