You've probably been refreshing your feed all morning trying to figure out the exact kickoff for the final game of the Wild Card weekend.
Honestly, the NFL schedule can be a bit of a maze once the playoffs start. Between the Saturday doubleheaders and the Sunday triple-threats, it’s easy to lose track of when the actual "Monday Night Football" slot begins. If you’re looking for the short answer: The Houston Texans face the Pittsburgh Steelers today, January 12, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET.
It’s the grand finale of the opening round. One team moves on to face the top-seeded New England Patriots, and the other starts booking tee times for the offseason.
What Time Is Monday Night Football Today and Where to Watch
The league isn't messing with the formula much for this one. Since it’s a playoff game, they’re throwing the full weight of their broadcasting muscle behind it. You aren't just stuck with one channel.
Kickoff is locked in for 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT).
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If you are a traditionalist, you can find the game on ABC and ESPN. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call, bringing that standard big-game energy to Acrisure Stadium. But if you’re like me and prefer a bit of chaos with your football, the ManningCast is back on ESPN2. Peyton and Eli usually have a pretty stellar guest list for playoff games, and their breakdown of C.J. Stroud’s pocket presence against that Pittsburgh pass rush will probably be worth the price of admission alone.
Quick Broadcast Breakdown
- Main Broadcast: ABC / ESPN
- The ManningCast: ESPN2
- Spanish Language: ESPN Deportes
- Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, and NFL+
The weather in Pittsburgh is always a factor this time of year. While it’s not a "Snow Bowl" situation tonight, it’s going to be chilly. That damp, Western Pennsylvania cold has a way of making the ball feel like a rock, which usually favors a ground-and-pound team.
The Matchup: Why This Game Actually Matters
Most people sort of wrote the Steelers off halfway through the season. Then they went and got Aaron Rodgers.
Watching Rodgers in a Steelers uniform still feels kinda weird, right? But he’s 12-2 straight up on Monday nights at home. That isn't a fluke. He knows how to manage the clock and, more importantly, he knows how to handle the pressure that DeMeco Ryans is going to send his way.
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On the other side, you’ve got the Texans. C.J. Stroud is basically the "new guard" of the AFC. The Texans’ offensive line has been a bit of a liability—ranking 30th in pass block win rate—and they’re going up against T.J. Watt. That’s a nightmare scenario on paper.
If the Texans can't protect Stroud, this game could get ugly fast. But Houston’s defense is legit. They’re ranked near the top of the league in yards allowed, and they’ve got a secondary that can bait even a veteran like Rodgers into a mistake.
Surprising Stats You Won't See on the Pre-Game Show
We talk a lot about the stars, but the red zone is where this game will be won or lost.
The Texans have been surprisingly bad once they get inside the 20-yard line. They score a touchdown on just 46.3% of their red-zone trips. That’s bottom-tier stuff. The Steelers, meanwhile, are much more efficient, converting nearly 59% of those opportunities.
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In a playoff game where points are at a premium, settling for field goals is a death sentence.
Also, keep an eye on the "return" of DK Metcalf for the Steelers. He’s been a massive target for Rodgers since coming back from injury. Richard Sherman recently noted on his podcast that Metcalf is a prime candidate for an anytime touchdown tonight because the Texans’ corners, while talented, struggle with that kind of physical size.
Practical Steps for Game Night
If you’re planning to watch, don't wait until 8:14 p.m. to find the remote.
- Check your streaming login. If you're using ESPN+ or Fubo, those apps love to sign you out right when you need them.
- Sync your audio. If you’re listening to the Steelers Audio Network (102.5-FM) while watching the TV, there’s usually a 5-10 second delay. You’ll have to pause the TV to get them to line up.
- Monitor the late scratches. Keep an eye on the inactive list that drops about 90 minutes before kickoff. If Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig are late scratches, the Steelers' pass rush loses its teeth.
This is the last taste of Wild Card football we get until next year. It’s a 4-seed versus a 5-seed, which is almost always the most competitive game of the weekend. Whether you're rooting for a Rodgers renaissance or the Stroud takeover, make sure you're settled in by 8:15 p.m. ET.