In the AFC Wild Card round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs, the Houston Texans are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans are favored to win, with current odds showing they should take the game by at least a field goal (currently -3), while the expected total score is a low 38.5 points.
Houston enters this matchup riding a nine-game winning streak. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been impressive, racking up 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns this season, leading a potent offense. Their defense is also among the league’s best, ranking first overall and second in scoring.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has been inconsistent. Although quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a strong year with 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, the team struggles defensively, ranking 29th against the pass and 17th in points allowed. This sets up a tricky challenge for the Steelers against a focused Houston side.
Expecting a low-scoring game, many believe the Texans will pull away late, predicting a score of 25-18 in their favor.
Recent Matchups
- In their last two encounters, both teams have split 1-1.
- Pittsburgh scored 40 points, while Houston managed 36 in these matchups.
Key Players to Watch
For the Texans, keep an eye on:
- C.J. Stroud: He not only throws well but is also able to make plays with his legs.
- Nico Collins: With 1,117 receiving yards, he is Stroud’s top target.
- Will Anderson Jr.: He’s been a defensive standout with 12 sacks.
The Steelers will rely heavily on:
- Aaron Rodgers: His experience is key, especially in playoff situations.
- T.J. Watt: Always a threat, he can change the game with his defensive skills.
Betting Insights
Houston has a solid track record, covering the spread in 9 out of 17 games this season. Conversely, Pittsburgh stands at 4-2 against the spread as an underdog of three points or more. A staggering 10 of their games this season have gone over the points total.
According to the latest statistics, the Texans’ defense allows an average of just 17.4 points per game. This puts them in a commanding position against a Steelers’ offense that allows 22.8 points per game.
How to Watch
This Wild Card showdown will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. It will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN.
This game highlights the contrasting fortunes of Houston, riding high on a wave of confidence, versus Pittsburgh, which is searching for consistency. It promises to be a fascinating matchup worth watching as both teams vie for playoff triumph.
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