If you're asking who does Steelers play this week, I've got some bad news for you. There is no game. It’s over. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025-26 season came to a screeching, painful halt on Monday night, January 12, 2026.
Honestly, it wasn't even close. They hosted the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium for the AFC Wild Card round and got absolutely dismantled. Final score: 30-6. It’s the kind of loss that lingers in the cold Pittsburgh air long after the fans have trudged back to their cars.
The Wild Card Heartbreak Against Houston
The Steelers entered the playoffs with a 10-7 record and the AFC North crown in their pocket, but they ran into a buzzsaw. The Texans brought the league's top-ranked defense to the Steel City and basically turned out the lights on Aaron Rodgers and company.
It started okay. Chris Boswell knocked through a 32-yard field goal early on. 3-0 Steelers. You’ve seen this movie before—the gritty, defensive struggle where Mike Tomlin’s squad hangs around until they find a way to win. But the script flipped. Houston’s C.J. Stroud stayed poised, finding Christian Kirk for a touchdown to take the lead. From there, the wheels didn't just wobble; they fell off.
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A Brutal Fourth Quarter
The game was actually a "rock fight" for three quarters. The Steelers were only down 10-6 heading into the final frame. Then, the avalanche started.
- The Fumble: Aaron Rodgers got sacked by Will Anderson, the ball popped loose, and Sheldon Rankins scooped it up for a 33-yard touchdown. 17-6.
- The Ground Game: Houston’s Marks ripped off a 13-yard TD run. 24-6.
- The Final Blow: A desperate Rodgers throw was picked off by Bullock and returned 50 yards for a touchdown. 30-6.
Steelers fans were literally chanting for coaching changes in the final minutes. It was ugly.
Why There Is No "Next Week" for Pittsburgh
Because the NFL playoffs are single-elimination, the Steelers are officially in "offseason mode." While the Texans move on to face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round this Sunday, January 18, the Steelers are busy cleaning out their lockers.
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This loss marks Mike Tomlin’s seventh consecutive postseason defeat. That ties a pretty miserable NFL record held by Marvin Lewis. People are talking about it everywhere—on the radio, in the papers, at the bars. Is it time for a change? Mike Tomlin says he expects to be back for his 20th season, but the seat is getting warmer than a Primanti’s sandwich.
What Happens Now?
Since they aren't playing, the focus shifts to a very uncertain future. Aaron Rodgers struggled, finishing with a mediocre stat line and that back-breaking fumble. DK Metcalf, returning from a suspension, only managed two catches. The offense looked stagnant, converting just 2 of 14 third downs.
- The Quarterback Question: Does Rodgers stay for 2026?
- The Draft: Pittsburgh will be looking at early-round offensive line help and potentially a future signal-caller.
- Coaching Staff: Will there be a shake-up under Tomlin?
Basically, the "who does Steelers play this week" answer is "nobody." They are headed to the couch to watch the rest of the AFC field battle it out.
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If you were planning a tailgate or looking for tickets, save your money. The next time you'll see the Black and Gold in action will be the 2026 preseason in August. For now, the focus is entirely on the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the official Steelers transaction wire over the next 48 hours. Usually, after a playoff exit this definitive, the team begins signing "reserve/future" contracts for players they want to keep in the system for next year's training camp. Also, watch Mike Tomlin's season-ending press conference later this week; it’s likely to be one of the most intense of his career given the seven-game playoff losing streak.