So, you're looking for the score of the game tonight? Truth is, there actually wasn't an NFL game on tonight. Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. The league usually goes dark on Thursdays once the playoffs hit because nobody wants a Super Bowl contender playing on three days of rest. It's basically a breather before the Divisional Round starts this weekend.
But if you’re asking about the most recent Monday Night Football matchup—the big one that just wrapped up the Wild Card round—that was the Houston Texans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 12.
Honestly, it was a bloodbath.
If you're a Steelers fan, you probably want to stop reading now. If you're a Texans fan, you're likely still riding that high. The Texans walked into Acrisure Stadium and didn't just win; they dismantled a legacy.
The Monday Night Football Game That Shook the AFC
The Monday Night Football game featured the No. 5 seed Houston Texans traveling to face the No. 4 seed Pittsburgh Steelers. Going into this, the vibes in Pittsburgh were actually pretty decent. The Steelers had won eight AFC North titles under Mike Tomlin. They had a 23-game winning streak for home games played on Monday nights.
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Twenty-three. That's a lot of history to throw away in four quarters.
The final score was 30-6. It wasn't even as close as that six-point total suggests. Houston’s defense basically set up a tent in the Pittsburgh backfield and stayed there all night. They sacked Aaron Rodgers four times. They forced turnovers. They even scored two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
What Happened to Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin?
This game felt like more than just a playoff exit; it felt like the end of an era. Aaron Rodgers, at 42 years old, looked every bit of it. He threw for a meager 146 yards. His final pass of the game—and potentially his 21-year career—was a 50-yard pick-six to Calen Bullock.
You could hear the boos from the Terrible Towel crowd through the TV screen.
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Then there’s Mike Tomlin. He’s now tied the record for the longest playoff losing streak by an NFL coach (seven games). People are already calling for his job. It’s wild to think about a coach with his resume being on the hot seat, but when you haven't won a playoff game since 2016, the seat gets hot regardless of your name.
Why the Texans Look Like Contenders
While the Steelers were falling apart, the Texans were putting on a clinic. C.J. Stroud didn't have a perfect game—he actually fumbled five times and lost two of them—but the Houston defense is the real story.
- Sheldon Rankins had a 33-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
- Will Anderson Jr. was a nightmare off the edge.
- The secondary completely erased the Steelers' wideouts.
Houston is now 13-5 and headed to Foxborough to play the New England Patriots this Sunday. They’re the first team in franchise history to win a road playoff game. That’s a massive monkey off their back.
Misconceptions About the Playoff Schedule
A lot of people get confused during this time of year because "Monday Night Football" is usually a regular-season staple. Once the postseason starts, the NFL "flexes" its schedule to maximize TV ratings.
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The Wild Card round is the only time you'll see a Monday night game in the playoffs. Tonight, Thursday the 15th, is the "buffer zone." The league gives the Saturday teams time to travel and the Monday teams time to recover.
If you were hoping to catch a game tonight, you'll have to settle for the NBA or NHL. The NFL returns on Saturday, January 17, with a doubleheader featuring the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos followed by the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Takeaways from Monday's Matchup
The aftermath of the Monday Night Football game is still rippling through the league. We are looking at a total rebuild in Pittsburgh. Rodgers hasn't officially retired yet, but the way he walked off that field looked pretty final.
Meanwhile, the Texans are no longer "the team of the future." They are the team of right now. Their defense is ranked #1 for a reason, and they showed that you don't need a high-scoring offense to win in January if you can score touchdowns with your defensive line.
Next Steps for Football Fans:
If you want to keep up with the action this weekend, the Divisional Round kicks off Saturday at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. You should also keep an eye on the injury reports for the Texans; they played a physical game on Monday and have a short week to prepare for the #2 seed Patriots. If you're looking for the Steelers' next move, expect a flurry of news regarding Mike Tomlin’s contract and Aaron Rodgers’ retirement status by Monday morning.