The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as the Houston Texans, riding the NFL’s longest current winning streak, march into the hostile territory of Acrisure Stadium to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Wild Card playoff clash. Scheduled for Monday night at 8:15 p.m. ET, this battle wraps up a chaotic Wild Card weekend and pits two determined franchises against one another under the bright lights of prime-time football. For fans of both teams, anticipation has reached a fever pitch—and with good reason. Both the Texans and the Steelers have plenty on the line, storied histories, and intriguing storylines that make this matchup a must-watch.
Houston’s momentum is undeniable. The Texans enter this contest on a historic nine-game winning streak, the longest in the league, and have been tabbed as three- to four-point favorites by oddsmakers. Yet, history is not entirely on their side. The Texans have never won a playoff game on the road, sitting at a daunting 0-6 in such contests. Meanwhile, the Steelers boast an astonishing 23-0 record at home on Monday Night Football since 1992. If ever there was a time for Houston to flip the script, it’s now—but the ghosts of playoff past, and the steel resolve of Pittsburgh’s defense, loom large.
One major storyline shadowing the Texans is the absence of rookie running back Jawhar Jordan. Officially ruled out for the Wild Card matchup due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts, Jordan’s loss is more than just a depth chart shuffle. His dynamic, game-breaking ability made him a true "spark plug" for Houston’s offense, especially after a breakout 101-yard rushing performance against the Arizona Cardinals. With 193 yards on 43 carries this season, Jordan wasn’t the team’s statistical leader, but his knack for explosive plays forced defenses to stay honest and provided a valuable change of pace behind rookie starter Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb.
The way Jordan was injured only adds to the Texans’ frustration. The sprain came on an unflagged apparent "hip-drop" tackle—a technique the NFL has been moving to ban due to its high injury risk. For Houston fans, it’s a bitter pill to swallow: a promising rookie’s first playoff opportunity erased by a non-call. As one source described, "The NFL has moved to eliminate that specific mechanic for this exact reason: it ends seasons and alters playoff brackets." The Texans must now adjust on the fly, and the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of their remaining backs.
Woody Marks, the rookie standout, is now thrust into a workhorse role. He’ll be backed up by Nick Chubb, who has been a steady change-of-pace option, rushing for 506 yards this year, and Dare Ogunbowale, who is likely to see increased snaps in passing situations. This trio faces the daunting task of maintaining offensive unpredictability against a Mike Tomlin-led defense known for its discipline and ability to capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses. Without Jordan’s "lightning" to complement Marks’ "thunder," the Texans’ ground game may become more predictable—a dangerous prospect in a playoff environment where every yard counts.
Despite this setback, the Texans remain confident. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who torched the Steelers in their last regular-season meeting, will look to replicate his earlier success. Back on October 1, 2023, Stroud led Houston to a dominant 30-6 victory over Pittsburgh, throwing a touchdown pass to Nico Collins and helping his team outgain the Steelers 451 to 225 in total yards. That day, Houston’s offensive line—despite being decimated by injuries—controlled the trenches, and the Texans’ defense stifled the Steelers at every turn. However, playoff football is a different beast, and Pittsburgh’s home field advantage is legendary.
Speaking of home field, Acrisure Stadium will be rocking. The Steelers finished the regular season 10-7, securing the fourth seed in the AFC and earning the right to host. Their fans are known for creating one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league, and the weather forecast—clear skies with a brisk 33°F temperature—should suit the home team just fine. Pittsburgh’s depth chart is loaded with experienced talent, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and wideout DK Metcalf. On defense, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith anchor a unit that thrives on pressure and takeaways.
Injuries, as always, are a factor. The Steelers’ latest report lists several key contributors on injured reserve, including tackle Broderick Jones, safety DeShon Elliott, and defensive tackle Dean Lowry. Jaylen Warren, who missed practice earlier in the week due to illness, is active and ready to go. For Houston, the notable absences include running back Jawhar Jordan and wide receiver Tank Dell. Both teams will need their depth to step up in the season’s most critical moment.
The historical context adds another layer of intrigue. The Steelers lead the all-time regular season series 5-3, with a 3-1 home record against Houston. However, the Texans claimed the last meeting, and their current form is impossible to ignore. The playoff bracket only heightens the stakes: the winner advances to face the New England Patriots or Denver Broncos, keeping Super Bowl dreams alive.
For fans scouting future talent, this game features several intriguing free agents who could be on the move after the season. On the Texans’ side, right guard Ed Ingram, wide receiver Christian Kirk, and running back Nick Chubb are all names to watch. For Pittsburgh, left guard Isaac Seumalo, running back Kenneth Gainwell, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. are potential targets for teams like the New Orleans Saints, who are already eyeing upgrades for next year.
Broadcast coverage will be extensive, with ABC and ESPN providing play-by-play from Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, and Laura Rutledge. ESPN2’s alternate broadcast features Payton and Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and J.J. Watt—a star-studded commentary team for a star-studded game. The betting lines are tight, with the Texans favored by three points and the over/under set at 38.5, reflecting expectations for a hard-fought, low-scoring affair.
As kickoff approaches, both teams are acutely aware of what’s at stake. For Houston, it’s a chance to rewrite their playoff narrative and prove their winning streak is no fluke. For Pittsburgh, it’s about defending their home turf and extending an incredible Monday night legacy. With storylines swirling and the action about to unfold, football fans everywhere are in for a treat. The only certainty? This Wild Card clash promises drama, intensity, and the kind of moments that define a season. Stay tuned—this one’s far from over.
