(Photo: Action Network)
AFC Wild Card
(5) Houston Texans at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers
Texans (12-5):
The thought of them being a playoff team—let alone going on this kind of winning streak—felt like an afterthought considering how they started the season. Let’s take it back to the beginning: this was a team that started 0–3, and usually after slow starts like that, it’s tough to climb out of the hole you’ve put yourself in. The key to remaining positive in this sport is to keep your head up, stay afloat, and most importantly, believe in your teammates in that locker room that things will turn around. You can’t listen to the outside noise, because at the end of the day, it’s not important. They currently hold the longest winning streak in the league, and counting as we speak. Each year since DeMeco Ryans took over as head coach, the Houston Texans have made the playoffs, winning two consecutive AFC South division titles. In recent weeks, I’ve seen their offense improve and truly come alive, especially in the passing game. I mention this on the radio, or to Cole Johnson, all the time — just imagine if Joe Mixon hadn’t gotten hurt and were healthy; they’d be even stronger on the offensive side of the football. What’s been the saving grace has been their defense, and I truly believe this is the best unit going in the league right now. This is a physical group that rushes the passer with only four, meaning they don’t blitz or send additional defenders. Because of that front seven, the secondary can play more zone and make natural plays on the football. Tonight, the Texans begin their playoff run on the road in Pittsburgh.
Steelers (10-7):
That was one hell of a game last Sunday night, wasn’t it? It was the 272nd game of the season, the AFC North division title on the line, and you’re playing your archrivals to determine a division champion — and it turned into a back-and-forth affair. I ripped this team a new one on the radio after Week 17 because they had a chance to wrap up the division in Cleveland, and it wouldn’t have come down to last weekend’s thriller. I’ll admit I’ve been fairly critical of them throughout the year, going as far as to say they’re basically the same offense — except this time it’s Aaron Rodgers under center instead of Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. I’ve mentioned they don’t run the ball as much as we’ve been accustomed to seeing, and the defense, outside of T.J. Watt, has struggled to stop much of anyone. The secondary has also given up its share of big plays. Last week was the most fight I’ve seen from the Pittsburgh Steelers all year. Their offense did a good job pushing the ball up the field, and while the defense still gave up some plays, they didn’t look as lost as they had for much of the regular season. I want to talk about Aaron Rodgers for a moment. I’m happy for him, and he looks happy playing the game he loves. He’s not the same guy we saw in his prime in Green Bay, but he’s still capable of running an offense and making throws. It’s another year for this team without clinching a losing record. The Steelers will host a playoff game for the first time since 2021 when they welcome the Texans to town tonight.
Texans X-Factor: Danielle Hunter
Alongside Will Anderson Jr., he and Danielle have formed one of the best defensive tandems in the league. The Steelers’ key vulnerability is pass protection, and he has the speed and power to stress tackles and force quick throws, which plays directly into Houston’s aggressive defensive scheme. Danielle is a true game wrecker. If he wins his battles early, the Steelers will have to tilt additional blockers his way all night. He’s not just a sack artist — he generates pressure, records strip sacks, and forces hurried decisions. Danielle also knows Rodgers well from their NFC North battles.
Steelers X-Factor: Alex Highsmith
This has been one of the shining points on the Steelers’ defense this season. With T.J. Watt commanding most of the attention, Alex Highsmith becomes even more dangerous with one-on-one looks. If he can win off the edge, the Steelers can get home with four, allowing them to keep extra defenders in coverage against C.J. Stroud. Alex’s ability to create turnovers is critical, as he can force fumbles and apply timely pressure. One big play from him could swing the momentum for this defense.
Final Thoughts:
What a last few days of football it’s been — from the thriller between Miami and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl to the thrillers on Saturday in Charlotte and Chicago to the dramatic games on Day 2 of Super Wild Card Weekend in Jacksonville and South Philadelphia. Tonight caps off the Wild Card round, and it marks the first-ever meeting between Aaron Rodgers and C.J. Stroud. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, while the Texans are still searching for their first road playoff win in franchise history. There are a few things I’ll be watching closely: the return of DK Metcalf after a two-game suspension, how Houston handles Pittsburgh’s front seven, and whether this turns into a defensive struggle. For Houston, the first order of business is neutralizing T.J. Watt. Chip him, use additional blockers on his side, and lean on the quick passing game. Ball security is paramount against a Steelers defense that can generate turnovers, and explosive plays must be picked selectively. For Pittsburgh, can the pass rush take over? The front four must win up front so the secondary can make plays on the back end. Control the tempo offensively, and the red zone must be your friend. Come away with six, not three, and force Houston into field goals. A trip to the divisional round is on the line to play the New England Patriots next weekend.
