The Houston Texans have advanced to the divisional round for the third consecutive year. This latest trip comes after DeMeco Ryans' club entered Acrisure Stadium and pulled off a 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, notching the franchise's first-ever playoff road victory. Now, Houston will advance to visit the New England Patriots, while the Steelers fade into the offseason, where questions about Aaron Rodgers' future await.
For the bulk of this playoff contest, it was a tightly contested game from a scoreboard perspective, with the Texans holding a 7-6 lead at halftime, and that remained the case entering the fourth quarter. However, the game was much more one-sided, particularly when Houston was on defense and Pittsburgh was on offense. The Steelers had absolutely no answer for what the Texans were dialing up defensively, converting just two of their 14 third-down opportunities.
The levees broke in the final frame when Will Anderson Jr. stripped Rodgers, and Sheldon Rankins picked up the loose ball and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown. That extended Houston's lead to two scores and effectively left Pittsburgh in the rearview mirror.
That defensive showcase by the Texans was much needed in this playoff win, especially as C.J. Stroud struggled throughout the evening. The third-year quarterback committed three turnovers in the win. In all, Stroud fumbled five times, with two being recovered by the Steelers defense, while also throwing a red-zone interception. Despite giving Pittsburgh ample opportunity to jump ahead, the Steelers managed just three points off those turnovers, which proved to be a key difference-maker.
Stroud finished his night completing 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards, a touchdown, an interception and two fumbles. He became just the second quarterback in the last 35 years to win a game in which he fumbled five-plus times and threw an interception, joining Eli Manning (Week 16 of the 2007 season). His top target was Christian Kirk, who turned back the clock with eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. On the other side, Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards and an interception in what may be the final game of the 42-year-old's NFL career.
For more on how this game unfolded, check out our takeaways below:
It was a downright bad showing from C.J. Stroud, as he simply didn't look comfortable throughout the evening. He also seemed to have quite a bit of miscommunication with his center, which contributed to a few of his five total fumbles on the night. Stroud lost two fumbles on strip sacks, and his jumpiness in the pocket was alarming. Linebacker Jack Sawyer got to him on his first fumble, and then defensive lineman Keeanu Benton got home for the second two drives later. Stroud also threw a horrific interception in the red zone in the early stages of the third quarter.
Despite that poor play from Stroud, the Texans defense essentially made it a non-factor. Houston held Pittsburgh to just three points off those turnovers. It forced the Steelers into a three-and-out after the first fumble and a punt after gaining just 23 yards following the interception. The unit allowed points only after Stroud's second fumble, but that happened only because the turnover occurred at the Houston 19-yard line. Pittsburgh traveled only four net yards on that possession before opting for the field goal.
Long story short, Stroud owes his buddies on the defensive side of the ball a steak dinner.
Pittsburgh couldn't do anything offensively as Houston took away everything underneath, and the Steelers were unable to push the ball down the field either.
Given how much of a demolition this was, it's fair to wonder what the future holds for Mike Tomlin. After all, this puts him on a seven-game losing streak in the playoffs, which is tied for the longest by a head coach in NFL history.
Over the course of that seven-game playoff skid, the Steelers have lost five straight games by 10-plus points, which has never been done in NFL history. Pittsburgh has lost four straight home playoff games for the first time in franchise history.
This is all the wrong kind of history to be making and makes one wonder whether a shakeup is necessary.
This might be it for Aaron Rodgers, as the 42-year-old quarterback has been candid this season about the 2025 campaign potentially being his last in the NFL. While nothing is official, the future Hall of Fame quarterback could be hanging it up.
If so, his final moment will be a worthwhile trivia question. Rodgers' (potential) final pass in the NFL was a pick-6 by Calen Bullock, who took it 50 yards to the house to further put the game out of reach.
Rodgers, who dropped to 11-11 in his playoff career with this loss, was pulled from the game after that as Mason Rudolph ran out the clock.
Ahead 7-6 through three, Houston scored 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter en route to a 30-6 win. The Texans have now won 10 straight games and will face the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs next Sunday.
The Steelers season ends with a ninth straight season without a playoff win.
Most of the fans have vacated, as the Steelers are running out the remainder of the clock.
Mason Rudolph is in the game for Rodgers, who went 17 of 33 for 146 yards with a pick and four sacks.
Rudolph enters with 2:39 left.
Calen Bullock picks off Rodgers, extending Houston's lead to 30-6 with 2:39 left. Rodgers tried to tackle Bullock but to no avail.
This has been a dominant performance by the Texans, who will face the Patriots next Sunday in the divisional round. Score remains 30-6 as Houston misses the extra point.
Steelers fans go from chanting "Aaron Rodgers!" to booing after another incomplete pass. It's been a forgettable ending to what was a good regular season for the Steelers, who won their first division title in five years but will add to their streak of seasons without a playoff win.
Woody Marks runs right through Pittsburgh's defense for the back-breaking TD. It's 24-6 with 3:43 left. Utter domination by Houston, who is minutes away from its first road playoff win.
Steelers fans are starting to exit as Houston moves into Pittsburgh's red zone. Personal foul against Nick Herbig gives Houston a first-and-goal on the 8-yard-line.
Christian Kirk has been nothing short of dominant. Picks up 33 yards on a crossing route that may have put an early bow on this game. Texans once again have the ball in scoring range.
Kirk (144) nearly has as many yards as Pittsburgh's entire offense (149).
As expected, Nico Collins is out for the rest of the game with a concussion. Despite his loss, the Texans pick up a first down as Higgins picks up a first down.
Steelers go nowhere after Freiermuth's catch. Rodgers throws three straight incompletions and takes a few licks in the process.
Rodgers is just slinging it now. Which would be fine if he had the playmakers to do that and if this wasn't the NFL's second-ranked scoring defense.
Houston made Pittsburgh's offense one-dimensional and Rodgers is playing right into their hands. He was too aggressive on that drive and the Texans capitalized.
With hope waning, Rodgers and Freiermuth makes an incredible catch for a first down past midfield. Texans had 12 men on the field, but no matter.
Will Anderson strip sacks Rodgers and Sheldon Rankins returns the fumble for a score.
Once again, the Texans' defense working in unison. No one was open, Rodgers had to eat the ball, and the Texans' pass rush made him pay.
It's a 17-6 game with 11:23 left. Steelers will have to start going up tempo, which might not be a bad thing.
Rodgers goes deep to Austin, but he's not able to complete the catch after tipping it to himself. Rodgers had Gainwell open but decided to go deep.
Steelers go backwards on the next play on a run by Gainwell.
Kenny Gainwell -- the Steelers MVP this season -- gets a much-needed first down on a 14-yard run. The Steelers are at their own 45 with 13 minutes left.
A 51-yard FG gives Houston a 10-6 lead with 13:07 left. The big play was Stroud's 46-yard completion to Christian Kirk, who is up to 111 yards on seven catches. He's easily been the best offensive player on either side tonight.
That's a big score as a FG really won't do the Steelers any good. You'd assume it'll be four down territory now if they enter the red zone again.
Steelers are going to have to do something on this drive. Houston has taken away Metcalf, the running game and the middle of the field. How will Pittsburgh counter?
Nick Collins being carted into the locker room, a really tough loss for the Texans.
Christian Kirk makes another big play after getting open downfield. He catches a 46-yard bomb as the Texans are now in scoring range. Huge huge play on third-and-long.
Texans will take a 7-6 lead into the fourth quarter. And are in position to add to their lead.
It's been a rough night for Stroud, but his big plays has made up for his mistakes. Collins is being evaluated for a concussion.
Nico Collins is leaving the game after taking a big shot on an incomplete pass. This is the hardest I've seen the Steelers' defense hit this year.
The Steelers nearly got another turnover after a Stroud fumble, but Stroud is able to jump on the ball.
Danielle Hunter brings down Rodgers on third down, leading to another Steelers punt. It could have been worse if not for Mason McCormick's pounce on Rodgers' fumble.
Steelers didn't attempt a single run on that drive, which started with a 16-yard completion to Thielen. Teh drive started going downhill when Rodgers hit Jonnu Smith for negative yards. Smith has simply not worked out after coming to Pittsburgh in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade.
Steelers fans are staying engaged, especially when the defense has been on the field. Rodgers gives them something to cheer about with a 16-yard completion to Thielen on first down.
Another Steelers rookie -- Derrick Harmon -- gets into the act with a sack of Stroud that contributed to Houston going three-and-out.
Harmon's sack follows fellow rookie Jack Sawyer's strip sack and fellow rookie Yahya Black's fumble recovery.
Once again, the Steelers' defense steps up. Will the offense respond? They'll start this drive on their 29-yard-line with 3:42 left in the quarter. Feel like this has to be a Warren-Gainwell possession.
Rodgers goes deep to Calvin Austin, who draws contact before the ball arrived, but the officials either thought it was incidental contact or Austin fell on his own. I feel it was the later.
Either way, not a good decision as Austin was well covered. Once again, there wasn't anyone open downfield. The Steelers' lack of talent at receiver continues to rear its ugly head.
Pittsburgh's offense was able to flip the field, though, as the Texans will start their second drive of the half at their own 30. Still, Pittsburgh has only been able to score three points off of three turnovers. If they lose this game, that will be a very telling stat.
Heyward back on the field for Pittsburgh.
Really nice play design by Arthur Smith, who had MVS run underneath for a 14-yard gain. That's Pittsburgh's first third-down conversion of the game.
Pittsburgh gets stuffed for a loss on the next play, though, as the Steelers' running game continues to struggle. Steelers have just 32 yards on 11 carries.
Brandin Echols -- one of the Steelers' best signings this offseason -- picks off Stroud in the red zone. That's Stroud's third turnover tonight. Stroud tried a low percentage throw and Echols made him pay.
Stroud's third turnover tonight. Texans had just five turnovers during their nine-game winning streak to close out the regular season.
Steelers offense will have awful field position, though, at their own 4-yard-line. I'd expect Rodgers to take a shot in this situation.
Two completions to Jayden Higgins and a long run by Marks has put the Texans into scoring range. Texans are now at an even 100 yards for the game on 17 carries.
Steelers have an injured player on the field. It's Cam Heyward, who is walking slowly to the sideline. It goes without saying that it would be a big loss for Pittsburgh's defense if he's out for a significant portion of time.
They won't, but if Houston scores, I'd strongly consider going for two to make it a two-possession game.
Houston gets the ball first after deferring to the second half. They'll be driving on the closed side of the field. Texans' offense was better than their point output in the first half, especially on third down.
Score: Texans 7-6
Total yards: Texans, 198-94
Third down: Texans 7-9, Steelers 0-6
Fourth down: Steelers 1-1
Red Zone: Texans 1-1, Steelers 0-2
Turnovers: Texans, 2
Points off turnovers: Steelers, 3
TOP: Texans, 16:44
Rodgers: 9-15, 79 yards, one sack
Steelers: 24 yards on 8 carries (Warren 14 yards on 5 carries)
Metcalf: 2 catches on 3 targets for 42 yards
Gainwell: 3 catches for 21 yards
Stroud: 13-20, 118 yards, TD, 2 sacks, 2 fumbles
Texans: 86 yards on 16 carries
Marks: 59 yards on 11 carries/Chubb 23 yards on 4 carries
Kirk: 5 catches on 6 targets for 58 yards
Collins: 3 catches on 5 targets for 21 yards
A hard hit by Payton Wilson forced an incompletion that contributed to the Texans not being able to add to their lead before halftime.
Texans take a 7-6 lead into intermission. Hard-hitting, defensive-fueled first half.
Stroud could have run, but he opted to throw to a wide open Collins. Stroud made the right decision, but his pass was overthrown.
Kirk comes up with another clutch catch as Houston is now at its own 45 with 28 seconds left. Houston just called its second timeout.
