So, you’re looking for the score or the channel, but you’ve realized things are looking a little quiet on the North Side. If you were hoping to catch a kickoff this Sunday afternoon, I've got some news that might sting a bit for the black and gold faithful. There wasn't a game. Today, January 18, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in "wait until next year" mode after a postseason exit that still has local talk radio buzzing.
Basically, the stadium lights at Acrisure Stadium stayed off today because the Steelers' season hit a brick wall last Monday night.
Where Was the Steelers Game Today?
The short answer is: Nowhere. While it’s Divisional Round Sunday in the NFL—traditionally one of the best football weekends of the year—the Steelers aren't part of the bracket anymore. If you're seeing a game on TV right now, it’s likely the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots.
That game is happening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
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It’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow because, just a week ago, people were genuinely hyped. The Steelers had clinched the AFC North title in a wild Week 18 win against the Ravens. Aaron Rodgers, who’s been the center of every conversation in Pittsburgh lately, seemed to have found that old magic. But when the Houston Texans came to town for the Wild Card round on January 12, things went south. Fast.
What Happened to the Postseason Run?
Honestly, the Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium was one of those "how did that happen?" moments. The Steelers lost 30-6. You read that right. Six points. In a home playoff game.
The Texans' defense turned into a nightmare for Rodgers and the offense. They became the first team since the 1940s to score multiple defensive touchdowns while giving up zero touchdowns in a playoff game. It was a defensive masterclass by DeMeco Ryans' squad. Because of that loss, the Texans are the ones playing today in the Divisional Round, while the Steelers players are probably already halfway through booking their off-season vacations.
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- Game Location: Acrisure Stadium (Last Monday)
- Final Score: Houston 30, Pittsburgh 6
- Current Status: Eliminated from the 2025-26 Playoffs
Why People are Confused About the Schedule
It's easy to get turned around with the NFL schedule these days. With the addition of Monday Night Wild Card games and the shifting windows for the Divisional Round, fans often expect their team to be playing on Sunday afternoon.
If the Steelers had won last Monday, they would be at Gillette Stadium right now. They would be the ones facing the Patriots for a chance to go to the AFC Championship. Instead, they’re watching from the couch like the rest of us.
There's also been some chatter about the 2026 schedule already. Even though the current season isn't over for everyone else, the NFL has already confirmed who the Steelers will play next fall. We don't have the exact dates yet—that usually drops in May—but we know the opponents.
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Looking Ahead to Next Season
The "where" for next year is already set in stone. Pittsburgh will host some heavy hitters at Acrisure, including the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, and those same Houston Texans. On the road, they’ve got trips planned to Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.
It's going to be a long off-season. Between the questions about Aaron Rodgers' future in Pittsburgh and how the defense can bounce back from that Houston blowout, there’s plenty to dissect. Mike Tomlin tied Chuck Noll for the most regular-season wins in franchise history this year, which is huge, but the playoff drought for a deep run continues to be the elephant in the room.
If you’re still itching for football today, you’ve got two great Divisional games to watch. Just don’t expect to see any Terrible Towels waving in the stands.
To keep track of the remaining playoff matchups, check the official NFL bracket or sports apps like ESPN. If you're a Steelers fan, the next big date to circle on your calendar is the NFL Draft in April, where the front office will look to patch the holes exposed in that Wild Card loss.