If you’re frantically searching for what time does the Steeler game start today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, there is no Steelers game today.
It's Sunday, January 18, 2026, and while the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing with some massive matchups, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't on the field. They were officially knocked out of the postseason last Monday night in a rough 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans.
I know, it’s not what any of us in the 412 wanted to hear. But instead of watching the Black and Gold, we’re looking at a Sunday schedule featuring the Texans taking on the Patriots and the Rams visiting the Bears.
Why Aren't the Steelers Playing Today?
The short version? Last Monday was a disaster.
The Steelers entered the Wild Card round as the AFC's No. 4 seed after a wild 10-7 regular season. They hosted the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, but things went south fast. Aaron Rodgers, who led the team through the 2025 season, just couldn't find his rhythm against a relentless Houston pass rush.
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Basically, the 30-6 final score tells you everything you need to know. The offense sputtered, the defense got gapped, and the playoff run ended before it really began.
Because of that loss, the Texans advanced to play the New England Patriots today at 3:00 PM ET. That’s the slot many fans probably assumed the Steelers would be in if they had handled business.
The Current State of the 2026 NFL Playoffs
If you're still looking for a football fix today, the NFL has two games on the slate for Sunday, January 18. Even though Pittsburgh is out, these games have huge implications for who represents the AFC and NFC in Super Bowl LX.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock.
Yesterday, we already saw the Buffalo Bills lose to the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks take down the San Francisco 49ers. The bracket is narrowing down quickly.
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What happened to Mike Tomlin?
This is the bigger story rocking Pittsburgh right now. Shortly after the playoff loss, Mike Tomlin did the unthinkable and resigned after 19 seasons. It’s the end of an era.
You’ve probably seen the headlines—the search for a new head coach is already moving at light speed. The team is reportedly scheduled to interview Mike McCarthy this week. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native, which makes for a great "homecoming" narrative, but it's a polarizing move among the fanbase.
Will Aaron Rodgers Be Back in 2026?
Since you can't watch him play today, the next best thing is arguing about his future. Aaron Rodgers is 42 now. He finished the 2025 season with over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, proving he’s still got some gas left.
Reports surfaced this morning from Adam Schefter that the players actually want him back. During exit meetings last week, the locker room was reportedly "universal" in its support for Rodgers.
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The catch? Without Tomlin, Rodgers might not want to stick around for a rebuilding year or a new coaching philosophy. He’s currently taking time away to decide if he wants to retire or give it one more go in the Black and Gold.
The Offseason Has Already Started
While you won't see a game today, the front office is busy. They’ve already started signing players to "Reserve/Future" contracts to fill out the 90-man roster for the spring.
- Adam Thielen retired: The veteran receiver hung up the cleats after 12 seasons.
- New signings: D'Shawn Jamison and Cal Adomitis (a local Pitt guy) are among the 16 players who signed futures deals this week.
It’s a weird feeling having the season over this early in January, especially with the coaching vacancy hanging over everything.
What You Should Do Instead of Watching the Steelers
Since there’s no game, you might as well lean into the "Draft Season" early. The Steelers will likely be looking for a quarterback if Rodgers walks, or heavy reinforcements for the offensive line.
Check out the Texans-Patriots game at 3:00 PM. It’ll give you a good look at the Houston team that just ended our season. Watching how the Patriots defend C.J. Stroud might provide some clues on what the Steelers' defense failed to do last Monday night.
Keep an eye on the coaching tracker over the next 48 hours. The McCarthy interview is the big one, but the team has also requested to talk to Panthers DC Ejiro Evero. This week will define the next decade of Steelers football.
Your Next Steps for Following the Steelers
- Monitor the Head Coach Search: Watch for updates on the Mike McCarthy interview scheduled for later this week.
- Check the Rodgers Status: Don't expect a decision today, but the buzz in the locker room suggests the players are lobbying hard for his return.
- Watch the AFC Divisional Game: Tune into ABC/ESPN at 3:00 PM ET to see the Texans and Patriots battle for a spot in the AFC Championship.