Houston Texans‘ playoff wins headline the NFL Wild Card weekend as they crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026. In front of a stunned Pittsburgh crowd, Houston delivered its first-ever road playoff victory, extending their winning streak to 10 games and setting up a high-stakes Divisional Round clash with the New England Patriots.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins scooped up an Aaron Rodgers fumble and rumbled 33 yards for a touchdown. Fans in Houston erupted, sensing this was more than just another score — it was a statement. Cornerback Calen Bullock later sealed the triumph with a 50-yard interception return, sending Steelers fans to the exits early.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud had a rollercoaster night, committing three turnovers but showing resilience with a touchdown pass to Christian Kirk, who dazzled with 144 receiving yards. Running back Woody Marks added 112 rushing yards, including a late 13-yard touchdown that felt like the knockout punch.
For Pittsburgh, the night was filled with frustration. The Steelers managed just 175 total yards and failed to score a touchdown, relying solely on two field goals from Chris Boswell. Rodgers, possibly playing his final NFL game, threw for 146 yards and a costly interception. Wide receiver DK Metcalf, returning from suspension, was limited to two catches and a critical drop that silenced the home crowd.
Head coach Mike Tomlin tied Marvin Lewis for the longest postseason losing streak in NFL history at seven games. Despite defensive takeaways, the Steelers failed to capitalize, scoring only three points off Houston’s mistakes. The tension in Acrisure Stadium was palpable, with chants of frustration echoing as the clock wound down.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Texans now face the New England Patriots (15-3) on January 18. Houston’s defense has proven it can dominate any opponent, while Stroud will look to rebound from miscues with the season on the line. Fans in Houston are already buzzing, believing this could be the year the Texans finally break through to the AFC Championship.
For Pittsburgh, the offseason begins with hard questions. Hosting the NFL Draft in April offers a chance to reset, but the weight of nearly a decade without a playoff win looms large.
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Houston Texans Official Site: https://www.houstontexans.com
Pittsburgh Steelers Official Site: https://www.steelers.com