Honestly, if you’re looking for a kickoff time for the Steelers today, January 17, 2026, I’ve got some tough news for you. There isn't one. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't play today because their season hit a brick wall earlier this week.
While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with the Bills taking on the Broncos and the 49ers heading to Seattle, the Steel City is already looking toward the NFL Draft. It's a bitter pill to swallow for a fan base that thought this year—the Aaron Rodgers era in Pittsburgh—was going to be the one that finally broke the postseason curse. Instead, the question of what was the score of the steelers game today is answered by a scoreboard that went dark on Monday night.
The Wild Card Disaster: Pittsburgh’s Final Score
The last time the Steelers took the field was Monday, January 12, 2026, for the AFC Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans. It wasn't just a loss; it was a total dismantling at Acrisure Stadium.
The final score was 30-6 in favor of the Houston Texans.
If you missed the game, you probably expected a classic AFC North "rock fight." For three quarters, it actually was. The Steelers’ defense, led by a typically relentless T.J. Watt, kept C.J. Stroud and the Texans' high-powered offense in check. Pittsburgh actually led 3-0 early and trailed only 7-6 heading into the fourth quarter. Then, the wheels didn't just come off; the whole car disintegrated.
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Houston exploded for 23 points in the final frame.
It started with a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal to make it 10-6. Then came the backbreaker. Aaron Rodgers, who had been under duress all night, was sacked by Will Anderson Jr. The ball popped loose, and Sheldon Rankins scooped it up for a 33-yard touchdown. From there, the floodgates opened. Woody Marks added a rushing touchdown, and Calen Bullock capped the nightmare with a 50-yard pick-six off Rodgers.
Breaking Down the Stats
- Aaron Rodgers: 17 of 33 for 146 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT.
- Rushing Game: Jaylen Warren and Nick Chubb (who joined the squad mid-season) combined for less than 100 yards.
- Defense: Forced 3 turnovers but the offense only managed 3 points off them.
Why There Is No Steelers Game Today
Because the Steelers lost that Wild Card game, they were eliminated from the 2026 NFL Playoffs. Today, January 17, is the start of the Divisional Round.
The Houston Texans, who beat Pittsburgh, are scheduled to play the New England Patriots tomorrow, January 18. If you’re a Steelers fan looking for someone to root for today, you’re basically a free agent for the weekend. Most of the talk around the Monongahela right now isn't about today's games; it's about whether Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers will even be back next year.
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Rodgers signed a one-year deal, and after the game, he was pretty tight-lipped about his future. "I'm not going to make any emotional decisions," he told reporters. That’s quarterback-speak for "I need a vacation before I decide if my body can handle another 17 games."
The Seven-Game Playoff Losing Streak
The most frustrating part about asking what was the score of the steelers game today is realizing that the 30-6 loss marks a historic low for the franchise. The Steelers have now lost seven straight playoff games. That dates all the way back to the 2016 season.
To put that in perspective, Mike Tomlin has now tied Marvin Lewis for the longest playoff losing streak by a head coach in NFL history. It’s a stat that’s driving the "Fire Tomlin" crowd into a frenzy, even though he just led the team to an AFC North title with a 10-7 record.
Success in Pittsburgh is measured in Lombardis, not division banners. When you get "throttled"—which is the word most local outlets are using—at home in the first round, people stop caring about the regular season wins.
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What Went Wrong This Season?
- The Offensive Line: Despite heavy investment, Rodgers was sacked four times in the playoff loss and pressured on nearly 40% of his dropbacks.
- Red Zone Inefficiency: Settling for field goals (or missing them) killed the momentum early against Houston.
- The Playoff Curse: There’s a psychological weight to this franchise right now in January. They play tight. They play not to lose rather than playing to win.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Offseason
Since the Steelers aren't playing today, the front office is already pivoting to a massive offseason. The biggest question is the quarterback. If Rodgers retires or walks, do they look at the draft, or do they try to find another veteran bridge?
The defense is still "Super Bowl caliber," but T.J. Watt isn't getting any younger. He was visibly frustrated in the post-game presser, calling the loss "extremely frustrating." The window for this specific core is slamming shut.
If you’re looking for football to watch today, the Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. Later tonight, at 8:00 PM ET, the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks. Both games should be more competitive than what we saw in Pittsburgh last Monday.
To stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, keep an eye on the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine in February. The Steelers will likely be targeting offensive tackle depth and potentially a successor to Rodgers if his "one and done" stint in Pittsburgh is truly over. Check the official team salary cap space as well, as several veteran contracts are set to trigger massive bonuses in March.