Aaron Rodgers falters as Texans roll past Steelers to advance in NFL playoffs

The Houston Texans delivered a dominant defensive performance to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6 in the AFC wild-card round on Monday night. Houston’s defense controlled the game from start to finish, putting constant pressure on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and forcing key turnovers that decided the outcome. The Texans sacked Rodgers four times and scored two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter, turning a close contest into a lopsided win. The victory sends Houston into the divisional round, where they will face the New England Patriots on Sunday.


At 42 years old, Rodgers struggled throughout the night in what could be the final game of his NFL career. He completed 17 of 33 passes for just 146 yards and never found a rhythm against Houston’s aggressive defense. His difficult night included a forced fumble in the fourth quarter that was recovered by Sheldon Rankins, who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown to give the Texans a commanding 17–6 lead.



Houston added to the score when running back Woody Marks rushed for a 13-yard touchdown with under four minutes remaining. The Texans were not finished, as rookie Calen Bullock intercepted Rodgers late in the game and returned the pick 50 yards for another touchdown.


Pittsburgh struck first with a 32-yard field goal by Chris Boswell in the opening quarter, which ended as a defensive struggle. Houston responded in the second quarter with a long, 14-play, 92-yard drive led by CJ Stroud, capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk. Another Boswell field goal made it 7–6 at halftime.


The Steelers failed to score in the second half as Houston’s defense shut them down, sealing a convincing playoff victory.