A bang of a Steelers season ended in a whisper with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
The Steelers forced three turnovers and allowed only two offensive touchdowns, but couldn't move the ball consistently against the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense.
"I thought they ruled the day," Mike Tomlin said of the Texans' defensive unit. "They certainly had a reputation for that coming in, and they confirmed it with their performance."
The Steelers were held to 175 yards of total offense against the Texans, who held only a one-point lead after three quarters but put the game away with 23 fourth-quarter points, which included two defensive touchdowns.
One of the definitive statistics was third-down conversions. The Steelers converted only 2 of 14, while the Texans converted 10 of 15.
"We didn't do enough in possession-down ball to get things going, any sort of rhythm or real points and so forth," Tomlin said. "I thought that they did a real good job on third down and we didn't get off enough on defense. As the game wore on, it became an attrition component of it."
"They've got a good defense, but we had a lot of opportunities – a lot of opportunities," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "Didn't make the most out of hardly any of them."
The Steelers took the early 3-0 lead on a 32-yard field goal by Chris Boswell with 6:02 left in the first quarter. Key plays of the 58-yard drive included Rodgers' 25-yard pass to DK Metcalf, followed by a 14-yard defensive pass interference penalty on another pass to Metcalf.
The Steelers forced a turnover on the next Texans possession. Rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by quarterback C.J. Stroud during a Texans flea-flicker attempt. Sawyer hacked Stroud's arm and rookie tackle Yahya Black caught the ball out of the air and fell to the ground at the Pittsburgh 44.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (/Unknown / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) and Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) and linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
But the Steelers couldn't turn the fumble recovery into points. Corliss Waitman punted and pinned the Texans back at their 8-yard line, from where they embarked on a 92-yard drive that culminated in Stroud's 6-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk. With 8:28 left in the first half, the Texans held a 7-3 lead.
Stroud turned the ball over again in Texans territory, this time on a strip sack by nose tackle Keeanu Benton. T.J. Watt recovered the fumble and Boswell kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:57 left and the Texans went into halftime locker room holding a 7-6 lead.
"We didn't capitalize off of turnovers in the first half," said Tomlin. "We were plus-2 and still down by a point at the half, and that's just not a good sign."
The Texans opened the second half with gains of 16, 14, 14, and 9 and reached the Pittsburgh 14 for a third-and-4 play. Stroud, under pressure, threw a pass to Xavier Hutchinson that was intercepted by a diving Brandin Echols at the Pittsburgh 4. The play saved the Steelers at least three points as they took their first possession of the second half.
The Steelers pushed off their own goal line with a 21-yard reception by Adam Thielen, but couldn't advance further. Waitman's 57-yard punt did flip the field, as the 7-6 game moved into the fourth quarter.
While Joey Porter Jr. was shutting down Nico Collins (3 catches, 21 yards), who left late in the third quarter with a concussion, the Steelers had no answer for Christian Kirk (8 catches, 144 yards). His 46-yard reception on third-and-15 put him over the 100-yard mark and gave the Texans a first down at the Pittsburgh 36. But the Steelers held the Texans to a 51-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn, and with 13:07 to play the Texans led by 10-6.
"That third-and-15 hurt bad," said T.J. Watt. "Felt like we were playing hard football. I was really proud of the way that we were playing. We were playing hard football, and we just couldn't get off the field when we needed to, and that's why it hurts."
The Texans made it 17-6 less than two minutes later when Rodgers was sacked by Will Anderson and fumbled. The ball was recovered by Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and returned 33 yards for a touchdown with 11:16 left.
The Texans added two more touchdowns late in the game. Running back Woody Marks, who finished with a rookie season-high 112 yards on 19 carries, broke off a 13-yard touchdown run, and then Calen Bullock intercepted Rodgers and returned it 50 yards for the final touchdown.
The Texans outrushed the Steelers 164-63 after averaging only 109 rushing yards per game during the regular season.
"We talk about playoff football, especially in cold weather, it's going to be all about the run game and establishing the run," Watt said. "When you can't do that, it's a butt-kicking."
Rodgers passed for only 146 yards with a passer rating of 50.8, his second-lowest rating of the season by 0.2 points.
"We had a lot of chances," said Rodgers. "We had plays set up with missed assignments. We had opportunities to take shots with not enough time. We just didn't make the most of any of the little opportunities."
Jaylen Warren led the Steelers with 43 rushing yards on 12 carries. Metcalf led Steelers receivers with 42 yards on 2 catches.
"I thought the preparation was good," Rodgers said. "That's why I was so surprised at some of the mental errors that happened tonight."
"Confidence was great," said Watt. "Execution in practice was great. Meetings were great. Camaraderie was great. Thought it was going to be a different story."
"It's disappointing," said Tomlin. "I'm certainly thankful for this group and their efforts, but it's a disappointing night tonight."
