Houston Texans Dominate Steelers as Aaron Rodgers Faces Possible Farewell

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The Houston Texans delivered a defensive masterclass, crushing the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 to claim the final spot in the NFL Divisional Round.

The final game of Wildcard Weekend on Monday was expected to be a low-scoring contest, and that proved true through three quarters, with Houston holding a narrow 7-6 lead. However, the Texans exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns, including two defensive scores, to seal a dominant victory.

The loss could mark the final NFL game of Aaron Rodgers’ legendary career. The 42-year-old quarterback, who joined Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, has previously indicated that this season may be his last.

With the win, the Texans (5th seed, AFC) extended their winning streak to 10 games and will travel to face the New England Patriots next Sunday.

Texans Defense Overwhelms Rodgers

Houston’s pass rush, one of the most feared units in the league, once again proved decisive. The Texans finished the regular season 12-5 and reached the playoffs for the third straight year, largely thanks to their dominant defense.

They relentlessly pressured Rodgers in his 23rd playoff appearance, his first in four years. Although the Steelers’ defense forced three early turnovers—two CJ Stroud fumbles and an interception—Pittsburgh could convert those opportunities into only one field goal, trailing 7-6 at halftime.

The game shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter:

Rodgers fumbled after a sack by Will Anderson, with Sheldon Rankins recovering and returning it 33 yards for a touchdown
Woody Marks scored on a 13-yard rushing touchdown
Rodgers then threw an interception to Calen Bullock, who returned it 50 yards for a pick-six

Despite owning the highest passer rating (102.2) and lowest interception rate (1.4%) in NFL history, Rodgers finished the game with a 50.8 passer rating, an uncharacteristic and disappointing stat line.

Will Aaron Rodgers Retire?

Following the loss, Rodgers said he would “take some time away and have the right conversations” before making a decision about his future.

“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a fun year, so it’s disappointing to have the season end like this.”

The Steelers are reportedly open to bringing Rodgers back for what would be a 22nd NFL season, but the franchise faces serious questions after seven consecutive playoff losses and nine years without a postseason win. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s future could also come under scrutiny.

Texans Eye Historic Super Bowl Run

Houston’s first-ever road playoff win has boosted confidence that the franchise could push toward its first Super Bowl appearance.

If this was indeed Rodgers’ final game, he would retire with just one Super Bowl appearance, coming in 2011, when he led the Green Bay Packers to victory—ironically against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL Divisional Round Schedule (GMT)

Saturday, January 17

Buffalo Bills (6) @ Denver Broncos (1) – 21:30
San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Seattle Seahawks (1) – 01:00 (Sunday)

Sunday, January 18

Houston Texans (5) @ New England Patriots (2) – 20:00
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Chicago Bears (2) – 23:30

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Houston Texans Dominate Steelers as Aaron Rodgers Faces Possible Farewell