Steelers host Texans in NFL playoffs: Jan. 12, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers fan puts his towel in his face after the Steelers lost to the Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans fans cheer as their team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers DK Metcalf shows his emotions as they lost to the Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers DK Metcalf, left, Pat Freiermuth, center and Spencer Anderson show their emotions after getting defeated by the Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch past Pittsburgh Steelers James Pierre (42) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Payton Wilson (41) celebrates a big hit on Houston Texans Jayden Higgins (81) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Kyle Dugger (29) hits Houston Texans Dalton Schultz (86) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Kyle Dugger (29) hits Houston Texans Cade Stover (87) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Kenneth Gainwell tries to get past Houston Texans Will Anderson Jr. (51) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans Jalen Pitre (5) and Will Anderson jr. celebrate a fumble recovery and touchdown by Sheldon Rankins (90) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.(Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers (8) gets sacked by Houston Texans Derek Barnett (95) and Denico Autry (96) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) fumbles during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) recovered and scored a touchdown. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) recovers a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Rankins ran the ball back for a touchdown. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) carries for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

A Pittsburgh Steelers fan reacts after the team lost to the Houston Texans in an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) reaches for but can’t catch a ball in front of Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after fumbling a ball that led to a Houston Texans touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) carries for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf (4) carries during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) celebrates with linebacker Patrick Queen (6) after recovering a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) carries during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) carries for a touchdown in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrates with wide receiver Nico Collins (12) after scoring during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) carries for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers place kicker Chris Boswell (9) kicks a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) pulls in a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf (4) carries as he’s defended by Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Steelers fans wave their terrible towels before the Pittsburgh Steelers versus Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Steelers fans pumped up before the Pittsburgh Steelers versus Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon (99) celebrates a tackle in the backfield against the Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers T.J. Watt (90) hits Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers DK Metcalf (4) dives over Houston Texans Kamari Lassiter (4) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Herbig (51) hits Houston Texans Nico Collins (12) in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Steelers fans start cheering before the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Steelers fans watch players warm up before the Pittsburgh Steelers versus Houston Texans in an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

A Pittsburgh Steelers fan watches the team warm up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) talks with Aaron Rodgers (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) talks with a fan dressed as him before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor looks on as Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato addresses a crowd of Steelers fans during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel, and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor take a photo together during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel, and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor talk during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

A Steelers fan dances along to the Pittsburgh Steeline drummers during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor interacts with a crowd of Steelers fans during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by the mayor and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel greets fans as he makes his way to the stage during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel rallies fans during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Steelers fans cheer and wave Terrible Towels during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor clap as they rally fans during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and the mayor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)

Former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel greets fans as he makes his way to the stage during a pep rally in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse hosted by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor ahead of the playoff game between the Steelers and the Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Downtown. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)