Tue Jan 13 04:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Texans Poised to Face Steelers in 2025 Wild Card Showdown

The Story:
The 2025 NFL playoffs are set to feature a compelling wild-card matchup between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Analysts are dissecting key factors, including the Texans’ formidable defense against Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the performance of the Steelers’ offensive line against the Texans’ pass rush, and each team’s offensive and defensive strategies. The game is scheduled for Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC, with the Texans favored by -3 points.

Key Points:

  • Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is using perceived pro-Steelers coverage as motivation for his team, similar to his approach in the 2024 playoffs.
  • The Steelers’ offensive line faces a significant challenge from the Texans’ pass-rush tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who have a combined 29.5 sacks.
  • Aaron Rodgers‘ quick release is crucial for mitigating the Texans’ pass rush.
  • Analysts predict that the Texans’ secondary will create turnovers, potentially leading to a shutout for the Steelers in the first half.
  • The Texans’ defense excels at limiting points per drive and forcing field goals, giving them an edge in the betting analysis.
  • The article is part of a larger ESPN guide to the four remaining NFL wild-card games, published on January 11, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Texans are leveraging an underdog mentality to fuel their performance.
  • The Steelers’ offensive line’s ability to protect Rodgers against a potent Texans’ pass rush will be critical.
  • Defensive efficiency and turnover creation are highlighted as determining factors for success in this game.
  • The game will pit quick passing against strong pass rushing.

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