Steelers Face Texans in AFC Wild Card Clash

Pittsburgh, January 12, 2026 – The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off a thrilling 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens to clinch the AFC North title, prepare to host the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium. With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Steelers aim to end their playoff drought dating back to 2016, while the Texans boast a strong defense led by C.J. Stroud.
Game Preview
The Steelers finished the 2025 regular season with a 10-7 record, securing the top spot in the AFC North. Key players like Alex Highsmith, who led the team with 9.5 sacks, and Patrick Queen, with 120 tackles, will be crucial against the Texans’ offense. The Texans, at 12-5, enter as the No. 5 seed and have won nine straight games, featuring a defense ranked among the NFL’s best. Tickets for the game start at $227.94, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 PM on ABC.
Key Facts and Stats
| Team | Record | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 | 397 | 387 |
| Houston Texans | 12-5 | 404 | 295 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the game?
The game takes place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:15 PM at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will air on ABC.
Who are the key players to watch?
For the Steelers, watch Aaron Rodgers’ passing and Alex Highsmith’s pass rushing. For the Texans, C.J. Stroud’s dual-threat ability and the defensive line featuring players like Danielle Hunter will be pivotal.
What is the betting line?
The Steelers are underdogs at +3.0 points, with the total set at 38 points.
