If you’re checking the TV guide or looking for kickoff times to see who are the Steelers playing Sunday, there is some tough news for the Yinzers out there.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not playing this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch considering how the regular season ended. After that wild Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens where Calvin Austin III caught a 26-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers to clinch the AFC North, expectations were sky-high. Fans were already dreaming of a deep playoff run.
But then Monday night happened.
The Wild Card Heartbreak
The reason we aren't talking about a Divisional Round matchup for Pittsburgh is the 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans on Monday, January 12. It was a rough night at Acrisure Stadium. The Texans’ defense basically lived in the backfield, and the Steelers’ offense just couldn't find a rhythm after such a high-stakes regular-season finale.
Instead of the Steelers heading to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots this Sunday, it will be the Houston Texans taking that flight.
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It’s weird to think about.
Just a week ago, Pittsburgh was the toast of the town. Now, the locker rooms are being cleared out. If you're looking for football this Sunday, the AFC matchup is officially Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
What Happened to the Momentum?
Football is a game of inches, and honestly, the Steelers looked like they ran out of gas.
- The Rodgers Factor: Aaron Rodgers had a resurgent year leading the black and gold, but the Texans’ pass rush was relentless on Monday night.
- Defensive Struggles: Despite T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward's best efforts, the Texans' balanced attack was too much to handle in the cold.
- The Monday Night Hangover: Some experts, like those at Still Curtain, suggest the emotional toll of the Ravens game might have left the tank empty for the Wild Card round.
It sucks. There's no other way to put it. For a team that fought so hard to secure the No. 4 seed and a home playoff game, seeing it end in a 24-point blowout is a bitter pill to swallow.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
Since the question of who are the Steelers playing Sunday has been answered with "nobody," fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents list that was recently released.
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Because they won the AFC North, the schedule for next year is going to be a gauntlet. They’ll be facing the winners of the AFC West (Denver Broncos) at home and travelling to face the AFC East champs (New England) and the NFC East winner (Philadelphia Eagles).
It’s not going to be an easy road back to the postseason.
We saw some bright spots this year, though. DK Metcalf’s arrival in Pittsburgh provided a physical presence they’ve lacked at receiver, and the young defensive talent like Derrick Harmon showed they belong in the league.
Where to Watch the Playoffs This Sunday
If you still want to scratch that football itch even without the Steelers on the field, here is what the Sunday, January 18 schedule looks like:
The Early Window:
The Houston Texans—the team that knocked Pittsburgh out—will face the No. 2 seed New England Patriots. This kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. It’s a rematch of a regular-season game where Drake Maye looked like the real deal for the Pats.
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The Nightcap:
Over in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
It’s going to be a great day of football, even if the Terrible Towels are staying in the closet for the rest of the winter.
What Steelers Fans Should Do Now
Since there is no game to prep for, the focus shifts entirely to the off-season. Mike Tomlin and the front office have some serious decisions to make regarding the offensive line depth and whether to stick with the veteran presence at QB or look toward the future in the draft.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for guys like Alex Highsmith and Patrick Queen as they head into the break. Most importantly, start looking at those 2026 home opponents—having the Falcons, Panthers, and Colts come to town might offer a smoother path than this year's late-season grind.
Check the official NFL standings and playoff brackets to see how the rest of the AFC shakes out, as the winner of the Texans/Patriots game will likely be the favorite to represent the conference in Super Bowl LX.