- - Texans silence Steelers in playoff blowout, sending Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin into uncertain future

Frank Schwab January 13, 2026 at 12:46 AM

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For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, making the playoffs doesn’t mean much anymore if the team can’t win a game once they’re in.

That has been the frustration for years. The script for Mike Tomlin’s Steelers has been way too familiar lately. The Steelers have often snuck into the playoffs but aren’t seen as championship contenders, and then they go one-and-done in the postseason. The last seven times Pittsburgh has made the playoffs, they’ve failed to win a game. Tomlin’s seventh straight playoff loss ties Marvin Lewis’ NFL record.

That’s what made Monday night a frustrating and also predictable result. The Steelers got into the playoffs again, this time with Aaron Rodgers. But this version of Rodgers is far from his MVP form. The Steelers’ offense did very little against a fierce Texans defense and had a quiet playoff exit with a 30-6 loss to the Texans.

Rodgers had two turnovers returned for touchdowns in the fourth quarter, a fumble recovery for a score and a pick-6 in which Rodgers made a feeble attempt at a tackle down the sideline. If that was a legend’s last quarter in the NFL, it was an unceremonious exit. If Rodgers retires, that pick-6 will end up being the final pass of his career. He was replaced by Mason Rudolph after that. He finished with just 146 yards on 33 attempts.

“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers told reporters postgame of whether that indeed was his final game as an NFL player.

While Rodgers’ future is up in the air, it is clear for the Texans, who move on and will face the New England Patriots on Sunday in the divisional round at 3 p.m. ET.

It won’t take long for the conversation to shift about what comes next for the Steelers. It could have been the final game of Rodgers’ long and great career. He has hinted that he could return next season but it also wouldn’t be a surprise if he called it a career after 21 seasons. The more complicated situation will be with Tomlin.

Many Steelers fans have wanted Tomlin out for a few years, fed up with being barely above average year after year. They chanted “Fire Tomlin” at a home loss to the Bills earlier this season. Steelers ownership has resisted making any change. Another playoff loss will lead to more speculation.

There were some fun moments for the Steelers this season with Rodgers and Tomlin. Things could look entirely different next season.

Tomlin was reserved about the speculation on his future in Pittsburgh.

“I’m not in the big-picture mindset,” Tomlin said.

Mike Tomlin when asked about his future with Steelers: "I’m not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight. I’m more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium, and certainly what we did or didn’t do."I'm not in the big-picture mindset."

— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 13, 2026

Both offenses struggle

It shouldn’t have been a surprise that Monday night’s game quickly settled into a defensive battle.

The Texans are built to play low-scoring games with their stellar defense and mediocre offense. The defense came out strong against Rodgers and the Steelers. Even after C.J. Stroud lost a fumble at Houston’s 21-yard line, the defense picked him up. The Texans held the Steelers to a short field goal despite the great field position. The Steelers did not score a touchdown the entire night.

The Texans got a touchdown on their one good drive of the first half. They went 92 yards and Stroud hit Christian Kirk for a 6-yard touchdown catch. That was enough for a 7-6 halftime lead for Houston.

There was no scoring in the third quarter. The Texans got close, but Stroud threw a bad pass that was picked off at Pittsburgh’s 4-yard line. A field goal would have been valuable in a low-scoring game and Stroud’s mistake prevented that. Things didn’t get easier for the Texans’ offense when Nico Collins’ facemask was smashed into the turf on an incompletion and he ended up being carted back to the locker room for a concussion.

The Texans have gotten by all season on defense. With the way the offense was playing, the defense was going to have to carry the team to a win. Even if it meant scoring themselves.

Houston’s D breaks it open

The Texans got a field goal early in the fourth quarter, then came the play that broke the game open. Rodgers was sacked by Will Anderson Jr. and Sheldon Rankins and fumbled. By the time Rankins ended up recovering it he was behind the Steelers’ offense, and had a clear path for a 33-yard touchdown return.

The Texans led 17-6 after that and it was hard to see the Steelers’ offense scoring 11 more points in the fourth quarter. It was definitely over with 3:38 left when Woody Marks scored on a 13-yard touchdown run. A pick 6 from Calen Bullock in the final minutes added to the embarrassment. As was the case for most of the season, the Steelers had little downfield passing game, and a dink-and-dunk approach wasn’t going to get them far against a strong Texans defense. Fans started booing the Steelers’ offense in the fourth quarter, and it was justified. The offense was inept, regardless of the opponent.

If this is it for Rodgers, it’s not the ending he wanted, playing out the final minutes of a lopsided game in which his team didn’t score a touchdown, with his offense being booed with every failed play. Rodgers has a long personal playoff drought as well. Rodgers’ last playoff win came at the end of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Rams with only 7,439 fans attending due to COVID-19 restrictions. He played well this season considering the history of quarterbacks at age 42 or older, but there were limitations. Against a good defense like Houston, the Steelers had little chance. Even if the Steelers managed to beat a team that struggles to move the ball like the Texans, winning beyond that was unlikely. Rodgers’ time with the Steelers, if it is over, will be remembered for an unlikely division title and an uncompetitive playoff loss.

The end of Tomlin’s long and successful tenure could also be remembered in a bittersweet way, as much for the playoff failures in the second half of his time with Pittsburgh as the long-ago Super Bowl win. Whether Tomlin returns will be a decision the Steelers have to make, unless Tomlin decides to step down. The team might not have a choice on what happens next at quarterback.

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Mon, January 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM ESTJason Owens

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 11:20 PM ESTJason OwensFinal: Texans 30, Steelers 6

That’s it. Houston’s defense was dominant and finally broke the Steelers in the second half as a 7-6 lead turned into a 30-6 Texans rout.

The Texans advance to face the New England Patriots next Sunday in the divisional round with two of the most punishing defenses in football squaring off.

But in the immediate, the attention will turn to Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is believed to have played his last NFL game Monday night, but he hasn’t yet confirmed. Tomlin’s future with the Steelers is unclear after another first-round playoff exit.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 11:09 PM ESTJason OwensAaron Rodgers throws pick 6, and Texans pile on

Adding insult to injury, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception that Calen Bullock returned 50 yards for a touchdown. Houston’s lead is now 30-6, and if that’s Rodgers’ last game, it’s a tough way to go out.

PICK SIX FOR THE HAWKK 🦅📺 : @nflonespn pic.twitter.com/GqBFls4KrW

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 11:02 PM ESTJason OwensWoody Marks ices game with late touchdown

That’ll do it. Woody Marks capped an 87-yard drive with a touchdown run, and the Texans have a 24-6 lead with 3:38 remaining.

Pittsburgh’s out of gas, and Houston will advance to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round next Sunday. Pittsburgh will leave the playoffs without a win again, and questions will swirl about Mike Tomlin’s future with the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers’ future playing football.

The Houston Texans have FOUND THEIR GROOVE as Woody Marks finds the end zone! 💥#NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/FORtDXE03b

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2026

Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:50 PM ESTRyan Young

It wasn’t a three-and-out, but it was close. The Texans were getting to Aaron Rodgers so easily there, sacking him on first down and then forcing back-to-back completions to force yet another punt. The Texans defense is completely running things tonight.

Houston will take back over with 9:29 left.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:44 PM ESTRyan YoungTexans drill Aaron Rodgers, run it back for a TD!

Will Anderson just drilled Aaron Rodgers hard in the backfield, knocking the ball loose. Sheldon Rankins was there to recover it, and he took it all the way back for a huge touchdown. Suddenly, the Texans are in full control of this game early in the fourth quarter.

SHELDON RANKINS TAKES IT BACK FOR A TDHOUvsPIT on ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/K63YkhukX8

— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026

They now lead 17-6 with 11:23 left.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:37 PM ESTRyan YoungTexans add a FG

Fairbairn drilled a 51-yarder to cap that drive, and the Texans lead 10-6 now early in the fourth quarter. We’ll see what Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense, which has struggled to do much of anything so far in the second half, can respond with next.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:36 PM ESTRyan YoungNico Collins carted off

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was just carted off the field and is now being evaluated for a concussion. He took a big hit and hit his head awkwardly on the turf there on that last drive for the Texans, and left the field with a towel over his head.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:27 PM ESTJason OwensTexans get to Aaron Rodgers again, force a Steelers punt

We’re still searching for the first points of the second half.

Danielle Hunter sacked Aaron Rodgers on third down and forced a fumble that the Steelers were lucky to recover. A Houston recovery could have ended with a Texans touchdown.

But the sack forced a fourth down and another Steelers punt. Houston now has two sacks of Rodgers, six quarterback hits and forced Rodgers into a drive-killing intentional grounding penalty.

Houston has the ball back and a 7-6 lead with 1:29 left in the third quarter.

No escape 🚫📺 : @nflonespn pic.twitter.com/q5EFj9h9PX

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:21 PM ESTJason OwensSteelers force 3-and-out, somehow still in this

The Steelers forced a 3-and-out and remarkably have a chance to take a lead late despite being dominated all night by Houston’s defense. Pittsburgh has the ball with a 7-6 deficit and 3:42 remaining in the third quarter.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:15 PM ESTJason OwensSteelers finally convert on third down, but no more

The Steelers finally converted on third down for the first time in seven tries.

But their next attempt failed on third-and-12 when an Aaron Rodgers deep ball to Calvin Austin fell incomplete. There was contact downfield with Kamari Lassiter that caused Austin to stumble, but it was incidental as their feet got tangled up.

No pass interference. Houston has the ball back and a 7-6 lead.

Refs let Steelers and Texans play this out with no flags pic.twitter.com/CXSflIBDWh

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 10:06 PM ESTJason OwensAnother costly C.J. Stroud turnover

C.J. Stroud is keeping the Steelers in this game.

Houston marched 61 yards on 7 plays and appeared ready to take control of this game to start the second half. But C.J. Stroud threw an interception to Brandin Echols on third-and-4 in the red zone, and the Steelers have new life thanks to Stroud’s third turnover of the game.

Can they do anything with the ball against this ferocious Texans defense?

.@matayo_echols said gimme that 😤📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/JL1EKDYCTj

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:56 PM ESTJason OwensHouston starts 2nd half with ball

Houson has the ball first to start the second half and a chance to build on a 7-6 lead.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:49 PM ESTJason OwensKey Halftime stats: Texans 7, Steelers 6

Houston’s largely in control of this game, but is limited to a 7-6 lead thanks to a pair of lost C.J. Stroud fumbles.

Houston’s defense is swarming Pittsburgh and held the Steelers without a third-down conversion in the first half. The Houston run game is the best offensive unit on the field and has 84 yards on 5.4 yards per carry.

But Stroud has lost two fumbles on strip sacks to allow the Steelers to keep things close.

Halftime stats

Aaron Rodgers: 9 of 15, 79 yards, 0 TDs, 0 turnovers, 1 sack, 1 intentional groundingJaylen Warren: 5 carries for 14 yardsDK Metcalf: 2 catches for 42 yards, 1 drop

C.J. Stroud: 13 or 20, 118 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 2 sacks, 2 lost fumblesWoody Marks: 11 carries for 59 yardsNick Chubb: 4 carries for 23 yardsChristian Kirk: 5 catches for 58 yards, 1 TD

Team statsSteelers offense: 70 yards on 3.9 yards per playTexans offense: 112 yards on 5.2 yards per play

Steelers 3rd downs: 0 for 6Texans 3rd downs: 7 for 9

Steelers turnovers: 0Texans turnovers: 2

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:41 PM ESTJason OwensHalftime: Texans take 7-6 lead into break

The Texans didn’t cross midfield on their final drive before halftime, and they’ll go into the break with a 7-6 lead.

This game was billed as a defensive struggle and is living up to its billing. Each team is getting pressure on the opposing quarterback and forcing mistakes.

C.J. Stroud has two lost fumbles on strip sacks. Aaron Rodgers has taken one sack and committed intentional grounding, both of which stunted Steelers drives.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:28 PM ESTJason OwensTexans sack Rodgers, force another Steelers field goal

Houston’s pass rush is making its mark.

The Texans collapsed the pocket and sacked Aaron Rodgers on third-and-goal from the 8. The Steelers settled for their second field goal of the night to cut Houston’s lead to 7-6. Houston will look to add to its lead with just under 2 minutes remaining before halftime.

The Texans get a MASSIVE sack on Aaron Rodgers in the red zone! 💪#NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Xkma5RgW8c

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:20 PM ESTJason OwensT.J. Watt recovers second lost C.J. Stroud fumble of the night

The Steelers are back in business.

Keeanu Benton got a strip sack of C.J. Stroud for Stroud’s second lost fumble of the night. T.J. Watt recovered the loose ball, and Pittsburgh takes over deep in Houston territory.

The Texans fumble TWICE on ONE PLAY and the Steelers have the ball AGAIN 🤯#NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/bnHHOuOtGw

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:18 PM ESTJason OwensWoody Marks is back

More good news for the Texans. Running back Woody Marks is back in the game after spending some time in the sideline medical tent.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:17 PM ESTJason OwensTexans pass rush gets to Aaron Rodgers

It wasn’t a sack, but it was just as good.

Danielle Hunter got pressure on Aaron Rodgers and forced the Steelers quarterback into a quick pass. Rodgers did not have a target in sight and got called for intentional grounding for an 11-yard loss.

The Steelers punted two plays later, and the Texans have the ball back with a 7-3 lead.

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:12 PM ESTJason OwensTexans take control of line of scrimmage, 7-3 lead

Houston’s offense has seized control of the game. The Texans marched 92 yards on 14 plays and capped the drive with a 6-yard play-action touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Christian Kirk.

The Texans ran at will on the drive with Nick Chubb and the now injured Woody Marks and are up to 74 rushing yards on 13 carries (5.7 yards per attempt). This is the blueprint for Houston’s offense.

Houston leads 7-3 midway through the second quarter.

There go 1️⃣3️⃣ 📺 : @nflonespn pic.twitter.com/6vQ4vAd7D5

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026

- Mon, January 12, 2026 at 9:09 PM ESTJason OwensWoody Marks leaves game after hitting head on turf

Starting Texans running back Woody Marks is out of the game after hitting the back of his head on the turf. He’s headed to the blue medical tent and will presumably be evaluated for a concussion.

Nick Chubb will take over primary running back duties if Marks can’t go.

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Source: “AOL Sports”