Steelers vs Texans Wild Card (2026): Final Score, Highlights & Analysis

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The Steelers vs Texans Wild Card 2026 matchup ended in a defensive grit-fest, with the Houston Texans defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6.

This massive Steelers vs Texans Wild Card showdown at Acrisure Stadium knocked Aaron Rodgers out of the playoffs in his first season with Pittsburgh. It was a game defined by tough yardage and defensive dominance.

Steelers vs Texans Wild Card 2026 Matchup Graphic

The Steelers vs Texans Wild Card game lived up to the hype.

First Half: Steelers vs Texans Wild Card Summary

The 7-6 scoreline reflects two dominant defenses refusing to break during this Steelers vs Texans Wild Card battle. The Texans (12-5) advance to the Divisional Round, while the Steelers (10-7) head home.

Key Scoring Plays

Steelers Strike First (Q1): Aaron Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf on a
25-yard pass. This big play set up a 32-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.
Texans Respond (Q2): Rookie sensation C.J. Stroud led a 92-yard drive. Dameon Pierce broke a 40-yard run, setting up a 6-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk.

A defensive struggle defined the night in Pittsburgh.

Second Half: Defensive Lockdown

The second half of the Steelers vs Texans Wild Card game saw zero points scored by either team. T.J. Watt recorded two sacks for Pittsburgh, trying desperately to keep them in the game. However, Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. terrorized the Steelers’ offensive line all night, preventing any rhythm in this critical Steelers vs Texans Wild Card playoff round.

The Final Drive

With 4 minutes left, Pittsburgh drove to the 35-yard line. A costly holding penalty pushed them out of field goal range. Rodgers’ final 4th-down pass fell incomplete, sealing the win for Houston in this unforgettable Steelers vs Texans Wild Card finish.

Player Highlights & Stats

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-8)

Aaron Rodgers: 18/35, 195 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT (Sacked 4 times).
Najee Harris: 15 carries, 62 yards.
DK Metcalf: 6 receptions, 85 yards.
Defense: 3 Sacks, 1 Turnover Forced.

Houston Texans (13-5)

C.J. Stroud: 14/25, 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Christian Kirk: 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD.
Defense: 4 Sacks, Game-winning 4th down stop.

What This Means Next

For the Steelers

The immediate conversation following the Steelers vs Texans Wild Card loss has shifted to Aaron Rodgers. At 42 years old, will he return for another year?

For the Texans

C.J. Stroud continues to prove he is the future of the AFC. The Texans will now travel to face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

Latest Updates (Live Post-Game)

T.J. Watt: Stated he is “fine” despite limping post-game.
Dalton Schultz: Questionable for next week with a hamstring injury.

Fans Also Ask (FAQs)

1. What was the final score of the Steelers vs Texans Wild Card game?
The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6 in the Steelers vs Texans Wild Card game on January 12, 2026.

2. Did Aaron Rodgers play well against the Texans?
It was a struggle. Rodgers threw for 195 yards and was sacked four times in the loss.

3. Who scored the only touchdown?
Texans WR Christian Kirk caught the game’s only touchdown on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud.

4. Who will the Texans play next?
They are projected to play the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.

5. Is Mike Tomlin still the coach?
Yes. He completed his 19th non-losing season, though the playoff exit is a disappointment.

Houston moves on to the Divisional Round.

Conclusion

In a season defined by change for Pittsburgh, the ending felt familiar—a tough loss in a defensive battle. This Steelers vs Texans Wild Card result cements Houston’s status as a legitimate AFC contender.