If you’re waking up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and looking for what time is the steeler game sunday, I’ve got some tough news for you. There isn't one. After a season that felt like a fever dream—complete with Aaron Rodgers in black and gold and a division title—the ride officially ended last Monday night.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird feeling for the city. Usually, by mid-January, we're either deep in playoff prep or arguing about draft picks. But after the Houston Texans came into Acrisure Stadium and handled business with a 30-6 win in the Wild Card round, the Steelers' 2025-2026 campaign is in the books.
The Sunday Schedule Without the Steelers
While the Steelers are at home (and Mike Tomlin is officially moving on from his 19-year tenure), the NFL Divisional Round is very much alive today. If you're looking for football to fill that void, here is who is actually playing on Sunday, January 18:
- 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.
It's a bitter pill to swallow knowing the Texans—the team that knocked us out—are the ones kicking off the early window today. They looked sharp against Pittsburgh, and now they head to Foxborough to see if they can keep that momentum going against the Patriots.
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Why the Steelers Aren't Playing Today
Look, we all hoped for a deeper run. The Steelers finished the regular season strong, beating the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 in Week 18 to clinch the AFC North. That win felt like it was going to be the springboard for something special.
Then Monday happened.
The 30-6 loss to Houston was a reality check. The offense struggled to find any rhythm, and the defense, while gritty, couldn't stay off the field. Because that game was the final matchup of Wild Card weekend (played on Monday, January 12), the Steelers would have played today if they had won. Instead, they spent this past week doing exit interviews.
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The Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers Factor
The biggest reason today feels different isn't just the loss; it's the end of an era. Mike Tomlin’s resignation earlier this week sent shockwaves through the league. 19 years. He never had a losing season until... well, he never did. He left on his own terms after winning the North one last time.
And then there's the Aaron Rodgers situation. He came here to play for Tomlin. Now that Tomlin is gone, the rumor mill is spinning at 1,000 miles per hour. Adam Schefter reported just this morning that while the players want Rodgers back for 2026, his return is "unlikely" given the coaching change.
Rodgers is 42. He’s taking some time to think. But for those of you asking what time is the steeler game sunday because you wanted to see #8 take the field again, you might have already seen his last pass in a Steelers uniform—a late interception that was returned for a touchdown. Not exactly the storybook ending we wanted.
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What's Next for the Black and Gold?
Since there’s no game today, the focus shifts entirely to the front office. Art Rooney II has his work cut out for him. This is the first time in nearly two decades the Steelers are looking for a head coach.
- The Coaching Search: Names like Klint Kubiak are already being floated around after his success this year.
- The QB Room: If Rodgers retires or moves on, does the team turn to Mason Rudolph? Do they draft a kid? These are the questions that will dominate the local sports talk for the next four months.
- The Roster: Despite the playoff exit, this team won the AFC North. The foundation is there, but the "Steelers Way" is going to look a lot different under a new regime.
Actionable Steps for Steelers Fans Today
Instead of refreshing the TV guide for a kickoff time that isn't coming, here is how you can handle your football Sunday:
- Watch the Texans-Patriots Game: If you want to see if Houston is truly that good or if we just had a bad night, this 3:00 PM ET game is the one to watch.
- Keep an Eye on the News: Sunday mornings are prime time for coaching rumors. Keep your notifications on for guys like Ian Rapoport; the Steelers' next decade starts with the moves they make this month.
- Scope Out the 2026 Opponents: We already know who we're playing next year. It's a tough slate, including the NFC East and AFC South. You can start planning those road trips to Philadelphia or Tampa Bay now.
The Steelers will be back. It’s just going to be a long wait until September. Enjoy the Divisional games today—at least we don't have to worry about our heart rates spiking in the fourth quarter for once.