The final whistle of Wild Card weekend didn't just end a game; it might have ended an era. If you’re waking up wondering what was the score of last night's nfl football game, the answer is a staggering 30-6 victory for the Houston Texans over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It wasn't even as close as that lopsided score suggests.
Monday night at Acrisure Stadium was supposed to be a coronation for Aaron Rodgers’ late-season resurgence in Pittsburgh. Instead, it became a nightmare. The Texans defense, which has been a brick wall all year, didn't just bend—it broke the Steelers' spirit. Honestly, watching a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers get harassed for four quarters was sort of uncomfortable. Houston's defensive front was relentless. They proved why they are the most feared unit heading into the Divisional Round.
Texans 30, Steelers 6: How the Final Wild Card Game Went Down
The game started as a slugfest. At halftime, the Texans led just 7-6. It was a kicker's duel and a field position battle that had "classic AFC playoff game" written all over it. But then the fourth quarter happened.
Houston exploded for 23 points in the final frame.
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The turning point? A massive defensive play. With the Steelers trailing 10-6 and trying to mount a drive, Will Anderson Jr. got home. He stripped the ball from Rodgers, and Sheldon Rankins scooped it up for a 33-yard touchdown. That was the dagger. From there, the wheels completely fell off for Pittsburgh.
Key Stats and Box Score Breakdown
The yardage told the real story of the night. Houston racked up 408 total yards, while the Steelers were held to a measly 175. That’s essentially "shut down" territory in the modern NFL.
- C.J. Stroud: 21/32, 250 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Aaron Rodgers: 16/28, 142 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT (plus 2 fumbles)
- Woody Marks (Texans RB): 19 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD
- Christian Kirk (Texans WR): 8 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD
Houston’s defense didn’t just stop the run; they erased the passing game. Calen Bullock put the icing on the cake with a 50-yard pick-six late in the fourth. It was the first time since 1940 that a team scored two defensive touchdowns while allowing zero in a playoff game.
Why the Steelers Offense Collapsed
People are going to point fingers at Rodgers, and yeah, he looked his age last night. But the offensive line was the real culprit. Rodgers was pressured on nearly 45% of his dropbacks. You can’t expect a 42-year-old quarterback to navigate that kind of chaos.
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The Texans' pass rush duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for 15 quarterback pressures. Think about that. Every other play, a defender was in the face of the quarterback. It's basically impossible to find a rhythm when you're playing from your back.
The End of the Tomlin Era?
The morning-after buzz isn't just about the score. It’s about the fallout. Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured coach in the league, stepped down less than 24 hours after the loss. 19 seasons. Zero losing records. But seven straight playoff losses. The fan base in Pittsburgh was restless, and it seems Tomlin felt the same.
What This Means for the Divisional Round
If you missed what was the score of last night's nfl football game, you missed the birth of a serious Super Bowl contender. The Houston Texans aren't just "happy to be here." They are dangerous.
They are now headed to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 18. That’s a matchup between the No. 5 seed (Houston) and the No. 2 seed (New England). The Patriots defense is stout, but after what Houston did to Pittsburgh, nobody is counting out C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans.
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The rest of the Divisional Round is set:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Saturday, Jan 17, 4:30 PM ET
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Saturday, Jan 17, 8:00 PM ET
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Sunday, Jan 18, 3:00 PM ET
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Sunday, Jan 18, 6:30 PM ET
Immediate Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the betting lines or just trying to win your office pool, keep an eye on Houston's injury report. Nico Collins went out for a concussion evaluation and didn't return. If he’s out for the New England game, Stroud loses his primary deep threat.
Also, watch the weather for Denver. The Bills are heading into a "Mile High" environment that is notoriously difficult in January. Josh Allen looked great against Jacksonville, but the Broncos' bye week gave them plenty of time to scheme for him.
The road to Super Bowl LX is narrowing. Last night proved that regular-season records don't mean much once the lights get bright on Monday Night Football. The Texans are the real deal, the Steelers are entering a massive rebuild, and the AFC is officially wide open.
Next Steps for NFL Fans:
- Check the Injury Reports: Focus on Nico Collins (HOU) and Fred Warner (SF) as they are the biggest names currently "questionable" for Saturday and Sunday.
- Set Your DVRs: The Saturday doubleheader starts early. If you're on the West Coast, that Bills-Broncos game is a 1:30 PM kickoff.
- Monitor the Patriots' Lines: New England opened as a 3-point favorite over Houston, but that line is already moving after the Texans' dominant showing.