Steelers vs. Texans: Get ready for AFC Wild Card matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host a playoff game for the first time in five years Monday night. The Houston Texans visit Acrisure Stadium for a wild-card matchup on “Monday Night Football.”

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with Joe Buck on play-by-play alongside analyst Troy Aikman and sideline reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge.

The Steelers Audio Network also will broadcast the game on 102.5-FM and 970-AM.

The Texans are favored by 3.5 points with an over/under of 38.5.

Follow Trib staff writers Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter), Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib), Chris Harlan (@CHarlan_Trib) and columnist Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) on X for coverage.

Here’s some more news and notes to get you ready for the wild-card matchup:

Trib headlines

• T.J. Watt: Steelers need no ‘extra incentive’ to end run of playoff failures

• If Steelers win Monday, they head to New England next Sunday

• Steelers’ Cam Heyward voted 2nd-team All-Pro, seeks playoff success in 15th season

• Steelers notebook: Kenny Gainwell sees similarities to Eagles’ Super Bowl team

• Jonnu Smith a full practice participant as Steelers appear healthy for playoffs

• Steelers 4 Downs: Aaron Rodgers peaking at right time, Texans a rare 3-WR opponent

• Scouting the Texans: Steelers wild-card opponent has never won a road playoff game

• In what could be final NFL game, WR Adam Thielen brings veteran savvy to Steelers

• Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud living up to high expectations

• Think fast: Steelers try to avoid another slow start, end playoff skid vs. Texans

• A harrowing look back at each defeat of Steelers’ active 6-game playoff losing streak

• Key matchup for Steelers-Texans: DK Metcalf vs. Derek Stingley Jr.

• Who could be an X-factor in the Steelers’ wild-card matchup vs. Texans?

• Amid some recent misses, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell embraces adversity

• ‘I’m going to shine when my time comes’: Steelers’ Kaleb Johnson deals with benching

• DT Isaiahh Loudermilk returns to practice for Steelers, remains on IR

• Steelers DC Terryl Austin not surprised by T.J. Watt’s heavy workload in return from lung injury

• Aaron Rodgers relishes playoff return, says Steelers silenced Mike Tomlin’s critics

• Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to interview with Titans for head coach vacancy

• Don’t blame this Franklin Regional grad for hoping the Steelers lose Monday. It’s his job

• Texans’ defense reached historic status that Steelers strived to achieve

• Steelers coach Mike Tomlin reflects on John Harbaugh’s firing, says lack of patience defines modern NFL

• Steelers notes: Offense welcomes back DK Metcalf, O-line has massive test blocking Texans tandem

• Mike Tomlin: Do not associate Steelers’ 9-year playoff win drought with the current team

• Steelers ‘a relatively healthy group’ headed into ‘single-elimination tournament’

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers plays against the Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)

In their opinion

• Tim Benz: Steelers’ defense must meet standard set by Texans

• Madden Monday: ‘Not that optimistic’ about Steelers’ chances to upset Houston

• Mark Madden’s Hot Take: Steelers’ QB upgrade to Aaron Rodgers has been minimal … so far

• Mark Madden: If the Steelers can survive the 1st quarter, expect another winnable rock fight

• Tim Benz: With spotlight on Texans’ defense, Steelers need improved effort with 2nd look at C.J. Stroud

• Football Footnotes: Refuting recent Chris Boswell concerns; noteworthy Steelers-Texans stats; Mike Tomlin mind games

• Tim Benz: DK Metcalf must repay the ‘opportunity’ granted by his teammates

• Tim Benz: Steelers’ playoff optimism is legit. But don’t ‘unpack’ those bags until it’s proven true

• Mark Madden: Myles Garrett holds the NFL sacks record, no matter how Steelers fans spin it

• Tim Benz: Happy trails, Harbaugh. You’ll be … missed?

• Connor Heyward’s opinion on the ‘Tush Push’ has changed after learning to run it

• Mark Madden: Aaron Rodgers plays the hero, Steelers win the optics in pseudo playoff victory

• U mad, bro?: Media coverage of DK Metcalf, lack of faith in Steelers challenged by readers

Steelers Jalen Ramsey plays against the Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)

In the news

• Going to the Steelers’ wild-card game? What you need to know

• TV Talk: Why an NFL playoff game on Monday?

• Backlash at Ravens kicker Tyler Loop after FG miss encourages Steelers fans to boost charity

• The new Hail Mary? Fans credit holy water blessing for Steelers’ division-clinching win

• Steelers fans revel in ‘nail-biter’ victory over Ravens, berth in NFL playoffs

Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer plays against the Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)

In print

If you can’t get a copy of the Tribune-Review, check out our Steelers Gameday page.

And here’s a look at the Wild-Card Weekend preview section available on the eTrib.

2025 Steelers schedule

View from Houston

• Three Texans named to Associated Press All-Pro team

• C.J. Stroud wasn’t happy with himself in 2024. How the Houston Texans QB found joy again

• Texans Deliver Encouraging Roster Update After Ominous Report

• Wild Card Round Injury Report | Texans at Steelers

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the sideline against the Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)