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When Aaron Rodgers hangs up his cleats, he will go down as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play football. The 42-year-old is a Super Bowl champion, four-time MVP, and future first-ballot Hall of Famer.<\/p>\n
Now on his third team, Rodgers is preparing for another postseason run, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> to their first AFC North title since 2020. This year, the veteran delivered a steady hand, finishing the 2025 season with 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. In the season finale, Rodgers was vintage, completing a season-high 31 passes for 294 yards and a last-minute touchdown to Calvin Austin III, which served as the game-winner over the Baltimore Ravens<\/a> and clinched a playoff berth for Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n That playoff journey begins at Acrisure Stadium against the Houston Texans<\/a>, the AFC\u2019s No. 5 seed with a 12-5 record. Houston boasts the league\u2019s top-ranked defense, allowing the fewest yards per game, setting the stage for a tight, low-scoring affair. The Texans\u2019 secondary presents a major challenge to the 42-year-old quarterback.<\/p>\n Houston has a young signal-caller in C.J. Stroud, who, after returning from a concussion, has played his best football in 2025. With weapons in superstar Nico Collins and rookie running back Woody Marks, the Houston offense has complemented its elite defense and enters Acrisure Stadium on a high note. They now face a Pittsburgh defense that is also near the top of the league in turnover margin.<\/p>\n For the Steelers, the game is about finally delivering a playoff victory after years of drought; for the Texans, it\u2019s about proving their top-ranked defense can stifle a legend in January. But one question rises above all: will this be it for Aaron Rodgers<\/a>?<\/p>\n The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Steelers vs. Texans in the AFC wild-card round on Monday night. Follow below for complete results from the 2026 NFL playoff game<\/a>.<\/p>\n STREAM:\u00a0Watch Steelers vs. Texans live with the ESPN App<\/a><\/p>\n Steelers vs. Texans score<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n NFL PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NFL scores<\/a> | Full NFL schedule<\/a>\u00a0| Updated NFL bracket<\/a><\/p>\n Steelers vs. Texans live updates, highlights from 2026 NFL wild-card playoff game<\/p>\n 8:17 p.m.:\u00a0Houston has kicked off and we are underway in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers leads the Steelers offense onto the field.<\/p>\n 8:13 p.m.:\u00a0We’re all set in Steel City. Teams are on the field and Acrisure Stadium is loud.<\/p>\n Will it be the Texans or Steelers moving on?<\/p>\n 8:09 p.m.:\u00a0Tonight’s Texans vs. Steelers matchup at Acrisure Stadium is a clash of polar opposites: a red-hot young contender versus a battle-tested legend looking to break a decade-long drought.<\/p>\n Aaron Rodgers has the Steelers in their first postseason since his arrival, seeking his first playoff win in black and gold. To do it, he must solve a Texans defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL and enters tonight on a massive nine-game winning streak.<\/p>\n Playoff start No. 22 \ud83e\udd1f<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT –8pm ET on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pittsburgh has been notoriously slow out of the gate in recent playoff appearances, often falling behind by multiple scores early. Against an opportunistic Texans team that thrives on momentum, the Steelers must score in the first quarter to keep the “12th Man” crowd involved and avoid another uphill battle.<\/p>\n 8:04 p.m.:\u00a0Second-year corner Joey Porter Jr. is making his home playoff debut, and his father, Steelers legend Joey Porter, is in attendance.<\/p>\n Joey Porter Jr. found his dad and other Steelers alums \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:53 p.m.: It’s almost time.<\/p>\n Almost. That. Time. pic.twitter.com\/k2WpYWqAoQ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n What do the Texans have in store tonight?<\/p>\n 7:47 p.m.:\u00a0A little more content from The Sporting News Content Creator of the Year.<\/p>\n Aaron Rodgers found Aaron Rodgers \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT — 8pm ET on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:35 p.m.:\u00a0Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers have taken the field for warmups.<\/p>\n Aaron Rodgers and the @Steelers<\/a> take the field \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT — 8pm ET on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:24 p.m.:\u00a0Some Houston fans have made the trip out East for the Texans’ first ever road wild card game.<\/p>\n Dedication. pic.twitter.com\/gPi8pZjZK4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:22 p.m.:\u00a0Kickoff is less than an hour away in a cold Pitsburgh.<\/p>\n Heating up \ud83d\udd25@_TJWatt<\/a> | @CamHeyward<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/fnDejDitwb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:08 p.m.:\u00a0Pittsburgh has posted its inactives for tonight’s contest.<\/p>\n Inactives for #HOUvsPIT<\/a> \u2935\ufe0f @UPMC<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcdd: https:\/\/t.co\/HdwH0CCwi2<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qJbG4wnbA0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 7:01 p.m.:\u00a0The 2025 Sporting News Content Creator of the Year, Rodgers Realm, is in the house for Aaron Rodgers’ first playoff start as a Steeler.<\/p>\n Rodgers Realm in the building\u203c\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/AFVkwM6Hvc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SteelersNationUnite (@SteelersUnite) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Steelers have come up to greet the content creator that continues to grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rodgers Realm is here \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT — 8pm ET on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 6:56 p.m.:\u00a0The Texans have listed their inactives for playoff game No. 1.<\/p>\n Our inactives for #HOUvsPIT<\/a> \u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/R4RKfUg6SK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 6:53 p.m.:\u00a0Some more Will Anderson content, because why not?<\/p>\n How many sacks for Will Anderson Jr. tonight?<\/p>\n HOUvsPIT — 8pm ET on ESPN\/ABC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 6:42 p.m.:\u00a0The Houston defense ranks near the top in the NFL in nearly every stat and is the reason why some are picking them to win the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n #Texans<\/a> defensive stats and rankings this season:<\/p>\n PPG allowed – 17.4 (2nd) \u2014 NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Expect them to be a major storyline tonight against a Pittsburgh offense that has been up-and-down throughout the season.<\/p>\n 6:29 p.m.:\u00a0One of the best young edge rushers in the NFL, Will Anderson, has taken the field in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n Terminator on the scene. pic.twitter.com\/DYCsIiaq6H<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In his third season, Anderson had 35 solo tackles, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. Tonight, he gets to chase one of the best quarterbacks to ever do it.<\/p>\n 6:12 p.m.:\u00a0Let’s revisit the Week 18 thriller that punched the Piitsburgh Steelers’ berth in the postseason. With less than two minutes remaining, Aaron Rodgers led a game-winning drive, ending in a touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III.<\/p>\n Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin for a touchdown when the Steelers needed it most \ud83d\udd25 @Visa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vlZRlBbtlD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Then, the Baltimore Ravens drove down the field, and kicker Tyler Loop had a chance to win the game. But, the kick sailed wide right.<\/p>\n This was when Tyler Loop went from a villain to a hero in just 2 days pic.twitter.com\/LXfUKsNbI7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Matthew \ud83d\udc0f(13-5)-x (@compSciMatt) January 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n With it, the Steelers won the AFC North and clinched a playoff spot.<\/p>\n 6:00 p.m.:\u00a0The Texans defense is getting all the attention, and rightfully so. But don’t forget about the stars Pittsburgh has on its unit, including superstar T.J. Watt.<\/p>\n 9\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3 @_TJWatt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OScknnhDrR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n But, Watt’s playoff performances have not been the best, tallying only one sack in four appearances.<\/p>\n 5:47 p.m.:\u00a0Across the sideline is one of the younger quarterbacks in the NFL, C.J. Stroud, who already has two playoff wins under his belt.<\/p>\n CJ7\ufe0f\u20e3 is MNF ready. pic.twitter.com\/hgUS3Uhcu7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n With a win tonight, Stroud would win a playoff game in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. But, neither of those wins in 2023 or 2024 were on the road.<\/p>\n He’d become the first ever Texans quarterback to have a postseason win on the road with a Houston victory tonight.<\/p>\n 5:40 p.m.:\u00a0Aaron Rodgers has arrived ahead of his potential final game.<\/p>\n QB1\ufe0f\u20e3 @AaronRodgers12<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/E4VtMQMYpt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Of course, the 42-year-old is focused on the task at hand, but retirement rumors are already swirling around the future Hall-of-Famer.<\/p>\n 5:28 p.m.:\u00a0Kickoff is less than three hours away in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n The stage is set \ud83d\udccd pic.twitter.com\/gw15OdlM9S<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 5:24 p.m.:\u00a0With two touchdowns tonight, Aaron Rodgers will move up the all-time playoff leaderboards, becoming second all-time in touchdown passes.<\/p>\n With two pass TDs vs the Texans tonight, Aaron Rodgers can pass Patrick Mahomes for the second-most in NFL playoff history pic.twitter.com\/iKiohbFOw3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 FOX Sports (@FOXSports) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n At 42, it’s fair to say he won’t catch Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes will retake his spot at second. But, No. 8 can move up the leaderboards as soon as tonight.<\/p>\n 5:22 p.m.:\u00a0Pittsburgh fans, this graphic is less for you.<\/p>\n The Steelers have gone nine years without a playoff win dating back to January 2017, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>. Here are the first quarter point totals for Piitsburgh’s last six playoff games.<\/p>\n Score of Steelers games after the first quarter in their last six playoff games:<\/p>\n Ravens 7 Steelers 0<\/p>\n Bills<\/a> 14 Steelers 0<\/p>\n Chiefs 0 Steelers 0<\/p>\n Browns<\/a> 28 Steelers 0<\/p>\n Jaguars<\/a> 14 Steelers 0<\/p>\n Patriots<\/a> 10 Steelers 0#Steelers<\/a> #NFL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steelers Depot 7\u20e3 (@Steelersdepot) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Don’t worry, it’s only the No. 1 defense in the NFL on the other side tonight.<\/p>\n 5:15 p.m.:\u00a0There’s a few long streaks on the line for tonight’s contest. The Steelers have not lost a home “Monday Night Football” game this century, while the Texans have never won a playoff road game in the franchise’s existence.<\/p>\n These records are WILD \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n \u25aa\ufe0f Steelers are 23-0 at home on MNF since 1992<\/p>\n \u25aa\ufe0f Texans are 0-6 on the road in the playoffs#HereWeGo<\/a> | #HTownMade<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zISqyRC2j7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pittsburgh fans, this graphic is for you.<\/p>\n 4:39 p.m.:\u00a0The Houston Texans enter the NFL playoffs as the hottest team in the NFL, riding a nine-game winning streak dating back to early November.<\/p>\n Standing like ovation on business occupation\ud83e\udee1<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd18 | @Ticketmaster<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VpeOzUiUCB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n With the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL that has given Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence and other elite quarterbacks headaches, many think Houston can be the final team standing.<\/p>\n 4:31 p.m.:\u00a0The final game of Wild Card Weekend takes place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n \u23f3\u23f3\u23f3@_TJWatt<\/a> | @AaronRodgers12<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ELKO7tN90e<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Either the 12-5 Texans or the 10-7 Steelers will book a trip to New England with a win tonight.\u00a0<\/p>\n MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:<\/p>\n Where to watch Steelers vs. TexansSteelers vs. Texans start timeDate: Monday, January 12Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET, 5:15 p.m. PT<\/p>\n The Steelers and Texans are the sixth and final game of NFL wild card weekend, slated in the “Monday Night Football” slot.<\/p>\n The game will kick off from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n What channel is Steelers vs. Texans on today?TV channel: ESPN, ABCLive stream: ESPN App<\/a><\/p>\n Steelers-Texans will be on both ESPN and ABC for the final “Monday Night Football” broadcast of the season. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game, with Laura Rutledge and Lisa Salters on the sidelines.<\/p>\n Fans looking to stream the game can access it on the ESPN app,<\/a> which delivers all the content the platform offers.<\/p>\n NFL playoff schedule 2026Wild-card round<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 10<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelRams vs. Panthers4:30 p.m.FoxPackers vs. Bears8 p.m.Amazon Prime Video<\/p>\n Sunday, Jan. 11<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelBills vs. Jaguars1 p.m.CBS49ers vs. Eagles4:30 p.m.FoxChargers vs. Patriots8:15 p.m.NBC<\/p>\n Monday, Jan. 12<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelTexans vs. Steelers8:15 p.m.ESPN\/ABCDivisional round<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 17<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelTBD4:30 p.m.TBDTBD8:15 p.m.TBD<\/p>\n Sunday, Jan. 18<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelTBD3 p.m.TBDTBD6:30 p.m.TBDConference championships<\/p>\n Sunday, Jan. 25<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelTBD (AFC)3 p.m.CBSTBD (NFC)6:30 p.m.FoxSuper Bowl 60<\/p>\n Sunday, Feb. 8<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV channelTBD6:30 p.m.NBC<\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/yxU9rMfely<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/KrHFvdL7vP<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/s45tx1UXXW<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/0SRp5vlSI8<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/2wWo2CFreE<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/U18upR5nDf<\/a><\/p>\n
YPG allowed – 277.2 (1st)
Pass YPG allowed – 183.5 (6th)
Rush YPG allowed – 93.7 (4th)
Takeaways – 29 (3rd)
Sacks – 47 (7th)
3rd down % allowed – 36.2% (6th) pic.twitter.com\/SoNdsIDGXU<\/a><\/p>\n