If you're frantically checking your phone and asking what time does the Pittsburgh Steelers play today, I have some news that might sting a bit. Honestly, there is no kickoff scheduled for today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Steelers' 2025-2026 campaign came to a screeching halt just a few days ago.
It's tough. You've probably spent the last few months living and breathing black and gold, but the reality is that the North Shore is quiet this weekend. While other teams are gearing up for the Divisional Round, the Steelers are officially in "evaluation mode."
Why the Steelers aren't on the field today
The short answer? The Houston Texans. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Steelers hosted a Wild Card matchup at Acrisure Stadium that most fans would prefer to delete from their memory banks.
It was a rough night in Pittsburgh.
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Despite a season where Aaron Rodgers—yes, he's still playing—tried to keep the offense afloat, the Texans defense absolutely smothered the Steelers. The final score was a lopsided 30-6. When you only put up six points in a playoff game, you don't usually get a Friday afternoon practice the following week.
- Final Score: Houston Texans 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 6
- Turnover Margin: The Steelers struggled, giving the ball away at critical moments.
- Offensive Struggles: Only 175 total yards. In the modern NFL, that just doesn't cut it.
The loss marked the seventh straight playoff defeat for Mike Tomlin’s squad. That’s a stat that is currently setting sports talk radio on fire across Western Pennsylvania.
The AFC Playoff Schedule (Since it isn't the Steelers)
Since the Steelers aren't playing, you might be wondering who is taking over the TV schedule this weekend. If you still want your football fix, the Divisional Round kicks off tomorrow.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, features the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle for an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
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Then on Sunday, January 18, the team that knocked Pittsburgh out—the Houston Texans—will face the New England Patriots. That game starts at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. It’s basically the "what could have been" game for Steelers fans.
What happens next for the Black and Gold?
Even though the question of what time does the Pittsburgh Steelers play today has a disappointing answer, the franchise isn't staying still. The 2026 offseason has effectively begun four days early.
There are massive questions looming over the facility at the South Side.
First, let's talk about the roster. Aaron Rodgers actually had some high praise for the young offensive line after the Houston loss. He specifically called out center Zach Frazier, noting that the kid is a "10-plus year" player in this league. Keeping that core together is priority number one.
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Then there's the Mike Tomlin conversation. Every time the Steelers exit early, the "is it time for a change?" debate starts. But Tomlin just led this team to a 10-7 record and another playoff berth in a brutal AFC North. Most insiders believe he isn't going anywhere, but the pressure to actually win a playoff game in 2027 will be immense.
Key 2026 Opponents to Watch
While the 2025 season is buried, we already know who is coming to town next year. The 2026 schedule won't have official times until May, but the opponents are set.
- Home Games: Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Texans, and Colts.
- Road Games: Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Jaguars, Patriots, Saints, Eagles, Buccaneers, and Titans.
That road game against the Eagles is already being circled by everyone in Pennsylvania. It's going to be a battle for the state. Plus, the Steelers get a chance at revenge against the Texans at Acrisure Stadium next year.
Actionable Steps for Steelers Fans
Since there's no game to watch today, here is how you should handle the "Steelers-less" weekend:
- Audit your gear: It's a great time to grab discounted 2025 gear or look for the first 2026 training camp releases.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Texans vs. Patriots game. It’s a good way to see how the team that beat "us" stacks up against the AFC elite.
- Follow the Center: Watch for news on Zach Frazier. If the Steelers follow Aaron Rodgers' advice, they'll be looking to secure that offensive line long-term this spring.
- Check the Draft Order: Start looking at mock drafts. With a Wild Card exit, the Steelers will be picking in the middle of the first round.
The road to Super Bowl LXI starts now. It’s not the Friday afternoon news you wanted, but in Pittsburgh, the work never really stops.