AFC PLAYOFF PREVIEW: TEXANS AT STEELERS PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — A classic quarterback duel between youth and experience will highlight the AFC Wild Card playoff game as the Houston Texans visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium. The Texans (12-5), entering the postseason on a five-game winning streak, are led by third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. He has been efficient and explosive down the stretch, throwing for 10 touchdowns against just one interception over his last four games, including a 260-yard, three-touchdown performance in a Week 14 win over Arizona. In Houston’s regular-season finale, a 38-30 victory over Indianapolis, Stroud accounted for two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). They face a resurgent Steelers squad (10-7) that won three of its final four games to secure a playoff berth, fueled by the late-season heroics of 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In a must-win Week 18 against Baltimore, Rodgers engineered a game-winning drive, finishing with 294 passing yards and a touchdown. He has thrown for five touchdowns with no interceptions in Pittsburgh’s last three victories. The game pits Houston’s high-powered offense, which averaged 27.5 points during its winning streak, against a stout Pittsburgh defense that held opponents to 20 points or fewer in seven of its 10 wins. The Steelers will need to contain Stroud and a Texans attack that has shown balance, with running back British Brooks coming off a 63-yard rushing performance. For Pittsburgh, offensive success will hinge on Rodgers’ ability to dissect Houston’s defense and the versatility of running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, who combined for 193 all-purpose yards in the win over Baltimore. The Steelers hold home-field advantage, where they posted a 6-3 record this season. Houston was a strong road team, however, finishing 6-2 away from home. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, Pittsburgh is projected to advance with a 31-20 victory. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. The winner will advance to the AFC Divisional Round.