(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Abeer, Editor, written January 17th, 2026)
DeMeco Ryans, in his third season as a head coach, led the Houston Texans against the historic 19-season head Coach, Mike Tomlin, on January 12, 2026, in an AFC Wildcard game to determine who would play in the divisional AFC Playoffs.
The final score of the game was Houston Texans 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 6, as the Texans’ defense led the way to the AFC Divisional Round against now Head Coach of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel, who began his career as a Houston Texans linebackers coach.
Game Summary:
⦁ 1st Quarter
6:02 — Steelers Field Goal (Boswell 32 yd): Pittsburgh opens the scoring with a 32-yard Chris Boswell field goal after a sustained drive. Steelers lead 3–0.
Texans Turnover: C.J. Stroud is sacked and fumbles; Steelers recover on their own 44. Houston’s offense struggles early following the turnover.
⦁ 2nd Quarter
0:29 — Texans Touchdown (Stroud to Kirk 8 yd): C.J. Stroud hits Christian Kirk on a short pass for an 8-yard score. Texans lead 7–3.
1:57 — Steelers Field Goal (Boswell 35 yd): Pittsburgh settles for another Boswell kick before halftime. Steelers trail 7–6.
⦁ 3rd Quarter
No scoring — Both defenses stiffen; momentum stays with Houston.
⦁ 4th Quarter
Early 4th — Texans Field Goal: Ka’imi Fairbairn drills a long field goal to extend the lead. Texans 10–6.
⦁ Mid 4th — Fumble Return Touchdown (Rankins 33 yd): Houston’s Sheldon Rankins scoops an Aaron Rodgers fumble and returns it 33 yards for a touchdown. Texans 17–6.
⦁ Late 4th — Texans Rushing Touchdown: Houston adds an offensive touchdown (Woody Marks runs in), pushing the lead further.
**Late 4th — Pick-Six (Bullock 50 yd): Calen Bullock intercepts Aaron Rodgers and returns it 50 yards for a defensive touchdown. Texans 30–6 (PAT missed).
This marks the Texans’ first road playoff victory in franchise history as they will play the New England Patriots on January 18th, 2026.
