The energy in Pittsburgh was heavy. You could feel it through the screen. For years, Acrisure Stadium has been a house of horrors for visiting teams on Monday nights. The Steelers had this ridiculous 23-game home winning streak on Monday Night Football that felt almost mythological. But records are meant to be broken, and the Houston Texans didn’t just break it—they shattered it.
The final score for the Monday night football Wild Card game was Houston Texans 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 6.
If you just look at the scoreboard, it looks like a blowout from the jump. Honestly, it wasn't. For three quarters, this was a rock fight. It was the kind of ugly, defensive struggle that Mike Tomlin usually thrives in. But then the fourth quarter happened, and the wheels didn't just come off; the whole car disintegrated.
How the Texans Flipped the Script
Houston came into this game with a lot of baggage. They had never won a road playoff game in their entire 24-year history. Think about that. Six tries, six losses. They were the underdog against a Pittsburgh team led by Aaron Rodgers, who was supposed to bring that veteran postseason magic back to the Steel City.
Instead, Rodgers looked every bit his age under the lights.
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The Texans' defense is basically a buzzsaw right now. They sacked Rodgers four times. They hit him constantly. It wasn't just the physical toll, though. It was the timing. Early in the fourth quarter, with the score still a tense 10-6, Will Anderson Jr. got home. He jarred the ball loose from Rodgers, and Sheldon Rankins scooped it up for a 33-yard touchdown.
That was the moment. You could see the air go out of the stadium.
The Brutal Reality of the Numbers
Let's talk about the yardage. It’s kind of shocking.
- Total Yards: Houston 408, Pittsburgh 175.
- Passing Yards: 244 for Houston, a measly 112 for the Steelers.
- The Run Game: Woody Marks was a workhorse, racking up 112 yards on 19 carries.
Pittsburgh’s offense was essentially non-existent. They had 56 plays and averaged 3.1 yards per play. You can’t win in the modern NFL moving the chains like that. It’s impossible. C.J. Stroud didn't even have his best game—he was actually pretty quiet—but he didn't have to be a superhero because the Texans' defense and special teams completely took over the game.
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Why This Score Matters More Than Usual
This game felt like an ending. Mike Tomlin has now lost seven straight playoff games. That ties the record held by Marvin Lewis. For a coach with his resume, that’s a tough pill to swallow. People are already whispering about whether his "words are cheap" post-game comment hints at a bigger change coming this offseason.
Then there’s Aaron Rodgers. He signed a one-year deal to try and win one more in Pittsburgh. Instead, he ended the night with a pick-six to Calen Bullock. When asked if he’d be back in 2026, he basically shut it down. "I'm not gonna talk about that," he said. It felt final.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of folks thought the Steelers' Monday night home streak would carry them. They’d won 23 straight. But streaks are just numbers until they meet a better roster. The Texans are younger, faster, and quite frankly, hungrier. They outscored Pittsburgh 23-0 in the fourth quarter.
The defense for Houston is legitimate. They didn't just luck into this. Christian Kirk was a monster on the outside, hauling in 144 yards. Every time Stroud needed a pressure release valve, Kirk was there.
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Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you’re following the bracket, the Texans are moving on to face the New England Patriots in Foxborough. Here is what to keep an eye on based on that 30-6 scoreline:
- Watch the Nico Collins Injury: He left the game for a concussion evaluation and didn't return. If he’s out against the Pats, Kirk's role becomes even more vital.
- The Defensive Momentum: Houston's "Fearsome Foursome" pass rush is the real deal. They didn't just beat Pittsburgh; they bullied them.
- The Road Curse is Dead: Having that first road playoff win under their belt changes the psychology of this young Texans team.
The divisional round kicks off Saturday, January 17, with the Bills taking on the Broncos. As for the Texans, they play Sunday. The road only gets tougher from here, but after what they did in Pittsburgh, nobody should be overlooking Houston.
Keep an eye on the injury reports mid-week. The status of the Texans' receiving corps will likely determine the spread for the New England game. If you're looking for the next big story, watch how the Steelers handle the Rodgers and Tomlin situation over the next 48 hours. The fallout from this score is going to last a long time.