The Houston Texans delivered a dominant defensive performance to crush the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the final game of NFL Wildcard Weekend, sealing the last remaining place in the Divisional Round of the NFL play-offs and potentially bringing an end to Aaron Rodgers’ legendary career.
The matchup, played on Monday night, was billed as a defensive showdown—and it lived up to expectations for much of the contest. Through three tightly contested quarters, Houston held a narrow 7-6 lead, but the game turned decisively in the final period when the Texans unleashed a devastating combination of defensive touchdowns and relentless pass rush.
For the Steelers, the defeat may be remembered as the final chapter for 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player who joined Pittsburgh on a one-year deal and has openly acknowledged this season could be his last.
Texans’ Defence Takes Control in the Fourth Quarter
Houston entered the game as the fifth seed in the AFC and carried momentum from a strong regular season. Still, few predicted the manner in which they would dismantle Pittsburgh late on.
After Christian Kirk scored the game’s opening touchdown for Houston, the Steelers responded with two field goals, keeping the scoreline close at half-time. Pittsburgh’s defence initially rose to the occasion, forcing three early turnovers, including two fumbles and an interception from Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.
However, the Steelers failed to capitalise, managing just three points from those opportunities—a missed chance that proved costly.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Rodgers was strip-sacked by Will Anderson, with Sheldon Rankins recovering the loose ball and returning it 33 yards for a touchdown. The floodgates soon opened.
Running back Woody Marks added a 13-yard rushing touchdown before Rodgers threw a late interception, picked off by Calen Bullock, who raced 50 yards for another defensive score. Two of Houston’s three fourth-quarter touchdowns came directly from defensive plays, underlining a complete team effort.
Rodgers Struggles in Potential Final Play-Off Appearance
The night marked Rodgers’ 23rd career play-off appearance and his first post-season game in four years, but it ended in disappointment.
The veteran quarterback was sacked four times, limited to 146 passing yards, and finished with a passer rating of just 50.8—a stark contrast for a player who holds the highest career passer rating and lowest interception rate in NFL history.
For a quarterback whose legacy includes a Super Bowl victory with the Green Bay Packers in 2011, the final image of a pick-six was far from an ideal farewell.
Speaking after the game, Rodgers refused to confirm his retirement but hinted that serious discussions lie ahead.
“I’m not going to be making any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said. “I’ll get away and have the right kind of conversations. It’s been a fun year, but it’s disappointing to be sitting here with the season over.”
The Steelers are believed to be open to bringing Rodgers back for what would be a 22nd NFL season, but uncertainty surrounds both his future and the direction of the franchise.
Texans March On With Super Bowl Hopes Alive
While Pittsburgh faces difficult questions, Houston’s victory reinforces their credentials as serious contenders. The Texans improved their winning streak to 10 games and will now travel to face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round next Sunday.
Under head coach leadership and powered by one of the league’s most aggressive pass rushes, Houston finished the regular season 12-5, securing their third consecutive play-off appearance.
Their defence, already regarded as among the NFL’s elite, sent a powerful message to the rest of the AFC with this performance—especially as they chase what would be the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Steelers Face Uncertain Offseason
The loss extends a grim post-season run for Pittsburgh, who have now lost seven consecutive play-off games. It has been nine years since their last play-off victory, raising questions about head coach Mike Tomlin’s future, despite his long-standing success and consistency.
With Rodgers’ status unresolved and the franchise once again falling short in January, the Steelers enter the offseason facing major decisions that could reshape the team’s future.
Divisional Round Matchup Confirmed
Houston will head to Foxborough next weekend as they look to continue their fairytale run:
- Houston Texans (5) @ New England Patriots (2)
Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday evening, with a place in the AFC Championship on the line.
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