Honestly, if you missed the end of the NFL Wild Card round, you missed a complete defensive masterclass that probably sent shockwaves through the city of Pittsburgh. We aren't just talking about a close playoff battle; we are talking about a total dismantling. So, what is the score on the Monday night football game that everyone is buzzing about?
The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, January 12, 2026.
It was ugly. Really ugly. Especially for a Steelers team that came into the night boasting a 23-game winning streak at home on Monday Night Football. That streak didn't just bend; it snapped in half under the weight of a Texans defense that looked like it was playing a different sport entirely.
How the Texans Shut Down the Steel City
You've gotta feel for Mike Tomlin. He is now sitting on a seven-game postseason losing streak, tying a record no coach ever wants to touch. The game started out as a defensive slugfest, heading into halftime with a narrow 7-6 lead for Houston. It felt like one of those classic Pittsburgh winter grinds where the first team to 13 wins.
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Then the fourth quarter happened.
Houston exploded for 23 points in the final frame. The turning point? A massive defensive touchdown. Sheldon Rankins scooped up a fumble forced by Will Anderson Jr. and rumbled 33 yards to the house. That made it 17-6, and the air just left the stadium.
The Aaron Rodgers Factor
If this was Aaron Rodgers' final game in the NFL, it’s a tough way to go out. The future Hall of Famer was under constant fire, getting sacked four times by a relentless Houston front. He finished the night 17 of 33 for 146 yards. No touchdowns. One interception.
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That lone pick was the dagger. Calen Bullock snatched a Rodgers pass and returned it 50 yards for a pick-six late in the fourth. It was the Texans' second defensive touchdown of the night, sealing the 30-6 final.
Monday Night Football Breakdown: By the Numbers
When you look at the box score, it’s a miracle the Steelers even stayed in it for three quarters. Total offense was a nightmare for Pittsburgh.
- Total Yards: Houston 250, Pittsburgh 175.
- Takeaways: Houston forced three turnovers, while the Steelers couldn't get the ball away from C.J. Stroud.
- The Run Game: Woody Marks added a late 13-yard rushing touchdown to put the cherry on top.
- Injuries: It wasn't all perfect for Houston. Star wideout Nico Collins had to leave in the fourth quarter for a concussion evaluation.
The Texans have now won ten games in a row. They aren't just a "good story" anymore; they are a legitimate problem for the rest of the AFC.
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What Is the Score on the Monday Night Football Game and What Happens Next?
Now that the 30-6 score is official, the bracket is set for the Divisional Round. Houston’s reward for their first road playoff win in franchise history? A trip to Foxborough to face the No. 2-seed New England Patriots next Sunday.
For the Steelers, the questions are going to be loud and frequent this week. Is Mike Tomlin still the guy? Is Aaron Rodgers coming back for another year? After the game, Rodgers was pretty tight-lipped, basically saying he wasn't going to talk about his 2026 plans yet.
Your Post-Game Action Plan
- Check the Waiver Wire: If you're in a postseason fantasy league, keep a very close eye on Nico Collins' status. If he’s out, Christian Kirk (who had 104 yards tonight) becomes the clear WR1 in Houston.
- Monitor the Odds: Houston is likely going to be a road underdog against the Patriots, but given they've won 10 straight, that "plus" money might look real tasty.
- Watch the Retirement Tracker: Set alerts for Aaron Rodgers. The way he walked off that field felt a little different this time.
The Texans are moving on, and they look like they’re here for the whole thing. The "30-6" result might look like a blowout on paper—and it was—but it was also a statement that the balance of power in the AFC has officially shifted toward the youth in Houston.