Steel City Underground scouts the Houston Texans ahead of the NFL Wild Card playoff game with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The Houston Texans (12-5) head to Acrisure Stadium to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) Monday night in the NFL Wild Card round, seeking their first road playoff victory in franchise history. Houston’s impressive turnaround and dominant defense make this one of the most compelling early playoff matchups of the 2025 season.
Houston’s 2025 campaign began with early adversity, dropping their first three games – each by a single score – before catching fire. The Texans closed the season with a nine-game winning streak, tying a franchise best and finishing 12-5, the second 12-win season in team history.
Despite a rough start, Houston improved its ball security and took advantage of pivotal moments down the stretch. The balance between opportunistic defense and methodical offense helped anchor that surge. The team made history as one of only a handful in NFL annals to reach the postseason after starting 0-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud became only the fourth coach-quarterback tandem to make the playoffs in each of their first three seasons together.
The Texans secured the No. 5 seed with a thrilling 38-30 Week 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts, during which kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn booted a career-best six field goals – including the game-winner with 12 seconds left – to clinch postseason positioning.
C.J. Stroud, Quarterback
Stroud finished the regular season with over 3,000 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, demonstrating growth as a signal-caller despite some ups and downs earlier in the year. His ability to protect the football — Houston ranked among teams with the fewest turnovers — will be vital in a hostile road environment.
Nico Collins & Dalton Schultz, Receiving Threats
Wide receiver Nico Collins led the Texans with more than 1,100 scrimmage yards and has been a consistent target in key situations, while tight end Dalton Schultz provided dependable middle-of-the-field production throughout the season.
Defensive Front: Will Anderson Jr. & Danielle Hunter
Houston’s defense has been the engine behind much of its success. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for double-digit sack totals, generating consistent pressure and forcing turnovers. Azeez Al-Shaair paced the unit in tackles, and the secondary – featuring Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter – delivered with multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
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Houston’s injury situation is fluid entering Wild Card week. Veteran corner Kamari Lassiter has dealt with lingering ankle and knee issues, and his availability remains a storyline as the Texans prepare for a high-stakes divisional road test.
Safety depth is thin; rookie Jaylen Reed returned to practice this week after a forearm injury but is still considered questionable, and other key contributors like offensive lineman Tytus Howard and running back Jawhar Jordan missed recent practices.
Pittsburgh enters the game relatively healthy, a luxury at this point in the season. Key offensive contributors including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, receiver Ben Skowronek and star linebacker T.J. Watt all participated fully in recent practices following minor bumps and bruises in Week 18. The only notable absence was running back Jaylen Warren, who missed practice due to an illness.
Rodgers provides playoff experience and leadership for a Steelers offense that finished 10-7, winning the AFC North in late-season fashion. Pittsburgh’s ability to sustain drives and keep Houston’s stingy defense off the field could be a deciding factor.
This Wild Card game presents a classic contrast: Houston’s defense, one of the league’s best, versus Pittsburgh’s offense led by a veteran quarterback. For the Texans, success will depend on a balanced offensive attack and pressuring Rodgers into mistakes. For the Steelers, containing Stroud’s aerial weapons and winning the turnover battle will be critical.
Historically, Houston has yet to win on the road in the playoffs, adding an extra subplot to this NFC-AFC showdown. But with momentum, talent and a defense capable of dictating the tone, the Texans hope this year’s script reads differently.
