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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 lose the ball. Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins picked up the ball and ran it into the end zone in what felt like a knockout blow, even though there was still plenty of time left to play.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) loses possession of the ball while being tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Burl)
It was that type of game for both teams – a defensive struggle – with Houston winning 30–6. This was the franchise’s first road playoff win.
There were big hits and very little margin for error. Houston led 7–6 at halftime, thanks to a touchdown pass by C.J. Stroud to Christian Kirk.
Even though 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 efficiency was on display on every snap as Rodgers was left with little to no time to make decisions.
When they had time to throw, wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Kelvin Austin III either dropped the ball or just missed it. Rodgers also deflected some of his passes.
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs towards 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 on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Burl)
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Steelers fans let the team hear it with great applause. Pittsburgh extended its playoff losing streak to seven games.
Texans running back Woody Marks rushed for 100 yards for the first time in his career and actually scored a touchdown to clinch the win. Texans defensive back Kellen Bullock returned an interception for a touchdown late in the game.
Stroud finished 21 of 32 with 250 passing yards and a 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 rushing and led 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 on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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Houston will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
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