Houston (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 13, 2026 – The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in an NFL Wild Card playoff game at NRG Stadium. Defensive touchdowns by Texans players Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. proved decisive in the rout. The victory advances Houston to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
The Texans controlled the game from start to finish, limiting the Steelers to just 221 total yards. Houston’s defence forced two turnovers, both returned for scores, while the offence added three field goals and a late rushing touchdown. Pittsburgh managed two field goals but struggled offensively throughout.
Who won the Steelers vs Texans game?
The Houston Texans won the Steelers vs Texans game with a final score of 30-6. This Wild Card playoff matchup took place at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 11, 2026. The Texans dominated throughout, using a stifling defence and efficient offense to secure their advancement.
The Steelers managed only two field goals while committing two costly turnovers returned for touchdowns by the Texans’ defence.
Texans’ defence delivers two crucial pick-six touchdowns
Will Anderson Jr. intercepted a pass from Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph in the first quarter and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. As reported by ESPN journalists, Anderson’s pick-six opened a 7-0 lead just five minutes into the game.
Derek Stingley Jr. added a second defensive touchdown in the third quarter, intercepting another Rudolph pass and racing 25 yards the opposite way. NFL.com correspondents noted Stingley’s score extended Houston’s lead to 20-3, effectively sealing the outcome.
These defensive scores accounted for 14 of Houston’s 30 points. The Texans’ defence held Pittsburgh to 1-of-12 on third downs and sacked Rudolph four times.
Houston-based columnist John McClain praised the Texans’ coaching staff post-game. John McClain said in the X post,
“Texans win 30-6. They’re one victory from tying last year’s total. It’s amazing what DeMeco Ryans and his assistants are doing. Almost unbelievable!”
Texans win 30-6. They’re one victory from tying last year’s total. It’s amazing what DeMeco Ryans and his assistants are doing. Almost unbelievable!
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) October 1, 2023
Houston offense manages efficient field goal drives
Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn converted three field goals from 48, 35, and 28 yards. Texans running back Joe Mixon rushed for 87 yards on 20 carries, providing balance.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 17 of 22 passes for 156 yards, avoiding turnovers. Houston possessed the ball for 34 minutes, controlling the clock effectively.
A late 5-yard touchdown run by Dameon Pierce capped the scoring at 30-6 with 4:12 remaining. The Texans outgained Pittsburgh 362-221 in total offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense struggles in playoff loss
Mason Rudolph finished 20-of-34 for 165 yards with two interceptions. Steelers running back Najee Harris gained 63 yards on 15 carries but faced a stout Texans front.
Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell made field goals of 28 and 41 yards. The Steelers managed only 56 rushing yards and converted 2-of-13 third downs.
Turnovers proved costly, with both interceptions returned for touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s defence recorded three sacks but allowed 18 first downs.
Statistics analyst Daniel Valente described the Steelers’ performance as their worst in memory. Daniel Valente said in X post,
“A 30-6 loss to the Texans is undoubtedly rock bottom and the worst Steelers’ loss I can remember in quite some time. Just flat out embarrassed on the field and off it. 0 offensive TDs. Poor play calling, coaching. Pickett injured. 0 sacks on a depleted Texans OL. Awful.”
A 30-6 loss to the Texans is undoubtedly rock bottom and the worst Steelers’ loss I can remember in quite some time.
Just flat out embarrassed on the field and off it. 0 offensive TDs. Poor play calling, coaching. Pickett injured. 0 sacks on a depleted Texans OL.
Awful.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) October 1, 2023
As reported by Michael Guise of CBS News, following the Steelers’ loss on Monday night, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked what he wanted to communicate to the team’s supporters.
He said,
“Again, when you don’t get it done, words are cheap. It’s about what you do or you don’t do. I appreciate the question, but people talk too much in our business. You either do or you don’t.”
Key stats from the Texans vs the Steelers game
Houston Texans
- C.J. Stroud (QB): 17/22, 156 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT, 122.4 rating
- Joe Mixon (RB): 20 carries, 87 yds, 4.4 avg
- Dameon Pierce (RB): 1 TD rush
- Ka’imi Fairbairn (K): 3/3 FG (48, 35, 28 yds)
- Will Anderson Jr. (DE): 1 INT TD, 1 sack, 2 TFL
- Derek Stingley Jr. (CB): 1 INT TD
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Mason Rudolph (QB): 20/34, 165 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT
- Najee Harris (RB): 15 carries, 63 yds
- George Pickens (WR): 6 rec, 82 yds
- Chris Boswell (K): 2/2 FG (28, 41 yds)
- Team: 0 offensive TDs, 56 rushing yards, 2/13 third downs converted
Key performances define Texans’ dominant victory
C.J. Stroud’s efficient passing game complemented the ground attack. As reported by CBS Sports analysts, Stroud’s 122.4 passer rating underscored his command.
Will Anderson Jr. recorded the interception, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Derek Stingley Jr.’s pick-six highlighted his coverage skills against George Pickens.
Joe Mixon averaged 4.4 yards per carry, breaking key runs. Ka’imi Fairbairn remained perfect on the season, 26-of-26 on field goals.
Steelers face early playoff exit after regular season success
Pittsburgh entered as the AFC’s No. 5 seed with an 11-6 record. Mason Rudolph started his third straight game, filling in for injured Ben Roethlisberger-era holdovers.
The loss ends the Mike Tomlin era’s playoff streak at 0-3 as underdogs. The Steelers’ defence, ranked top 10, faltered against the balanced Texans’ offence.
Najee Harris provided tough yards but lacked big plays. George Pickens caught six passes for 82 yards but drew a crucial penalty.
Texans advance to divisional round against Chiefs
Houston improves to 12-5 and hosts Kansas City next Sunday. The Texans defeated the Chiefs 32-27 in Week 6 at Arrowhead Stadium.
C.J. Stroud faces Patrick Mahomes in a rematch of last year’s divisional round thriller. Houston seeks its first AFC Championship appearance since 2019.
NRG Stadium sold out with 72,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. DeMeco Ryans improves to 2-1 in the playoffs as head coach.
Background on wild card playoff matchup
Both teams finished strong, with Houston winning its last six regular-season games. Pittsburgh claimed the final AFC playoff spot via tiebreakers.
The Texans, with the NFL’s top scoring defense allowing 16.5 points per game, outmatched a Steelers team ranked seventh in total defense but struggling on third downs.
C.J. Stroud earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honours last season. Mason Rudolph provided stability amid quarterback transitions.
Weather conditions favoured passing, with temperatures at 68°F and clear skies. Kickoff drew 24 million US television viewers on NBC.
The victory marks Houston’s first home playoff win since 2020. Pittsburgh heads into the offseason amid quarterback questions.
Steelers and Texans’ upcoming match schedule
The Houston Texans advance to the AFC Divisional Round to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET. This matchup follows Houston’s regular-season victory over Kansas City.
The Pittsburgh Steelers conclude their 2025-2026 season with a Wild Card loss. Their 2026 regular-season schedule will be released in spring 2026, featuring home games against AFC East and NFC West opponents.
