NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Crunch.
That was the sound of Houston Texans players colliding with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter of their Wild Card Round matchup, causing him to fumble the ball. Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins scooped up the ball and ran it into the end zone for what seemed like the decisive hit even though there was still plenty of time left to play.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) loses possession while being tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
It was that kind of game for both teams – a defensive struggle – as Houston cruised to a 30-6 victory. It was the franchise’s first playoff victory on the road.
There were great successes and little margin for error. Houston had a 7-6 halftime lead thanks to a touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Christian Kirk.
Even when the Texans turned the ball over three times between the first half and the third quarter, the Steelers could only muster three points. Houston’s defensive prowess was on display on every play, as Rodgers was left with little to no time to make a decision.
When he did have time to throw, wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Calvin Austin III dropped the ball or came up just short. Rodgers also had some of his passes deflected.
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs into the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
BEN JOHNSON OF THE BEARS POURED GASOLINE ON THE PACKERS RIVALRY: ‘I JUST DON’T LIKE THAT TEAM’
Steelers fans let the team hear it with plenty of boos. Pittsburgh extended its playoff losing streak to seven games.
Texans running back Woody Marks ran for 100 yards for the first time in his career and scored a touchdown to truly seal the victory. Texans defensive back Calen Bullock returned an interception for a touchdown late in the game.
Stroud finished 21 of 32 with 250 passing yards and the touchdown pass. The Texans defense sacked Rodgers four times. Rankins was good for 1.5 sacks.
The Steelers had almost no offense the entire game. The team was held to 175 yards and was outscored 23-0 in the fourth quarter.
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud throws during the first half of the NFL wild card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Houston will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
