The Texans elite defense will be a handful for a Steelers offense low on playmakers.
The Texans defense is looking to shut down a potential last hurrah for Aaron Rodgers. And possibly have the team make a tough decision about Mike Tomlin as well. The Steelers QB room has been a rotating door since Big Ben left, but could they finally be changing coaches too?
In their division clinching game against the Ravens, the Baltimore defense let Rodgers stay upright in the pocket and he picked them apart to the tune of 290+ yards. He's also getting his favorite target, DK Metcalf back post suspension, which will likely be a natural Derek Stingley Jr. matchup in the wildcard.
The game will come down to the matchup between the Steelers offensive playmaker or lack thereof versus the stingy Texans defense. Will the Steelers be able to get enough chunk plays and first downs? It seems like a tall task.
Freiermuth really held his own against the Ravens, so he'll definitely need to be held in check.
As division winners the Steelers will host so get out the terrible towels, the insane decibels, and cold weather. Unfortunate with the seeding that the Texans have three more wins but finished behind the Jaguars in the South so start on the road.
On defense for the home team, the return of TJ Watt bolsters the Steelers defense as he'll command double teams and look to give Stroud hell alongside Highsmith and Heyward.
Going back to the importance of a pass rush versus Rodgers, The Texans boast a 42.5% Pressure Rate which is good enough for top three league-wide. At 7.59%, their Sack Rate is top two league-wide.
With Hunter and Anderson Jr. coming, Rodgers will have to get rid of it quickly. At 42 years old, and following a torn Achilles, he doesn't have wheels like he used to. The Steelers faithful could fear that Rodgers will be running for his life as well as throwing to receivers who aren't the best at creating separation.
There isn't much familiarity or history to draw on.
Other than a preseason tilt, their last matchup was October 1st 2023 won 30-6 by the Texans on the road. There have been huge changes on both sides since.
The Texans are coming in as a -3 at odds makers. On the heels of an impressive nine game winning streak to close the season, the Texans are many's pick to have a deep playoff run. First they'll have to take care of business in the Steel City.