NFL Wild-Card Weekend concludes Monday night when the 12-5 Houston Texans travel to face the 10-7 Pittsburgh Steelers. Game time is 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Texans have won nine consecutive games, the longest winning streak by a team entering the playoffs since San Francisco in 2022 (10 game winning streak). Houston led the NFL in total defense (277.2 yards per game allowed) and ranked second in scoring defense (17.4 points per game against) this season. The Steelers won the AFC North for the first time since 2020.

What: AFC Wild Card
When: Monday, Jan. 12
Where: Acrisure Stadium...

49ers

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan felt that QB Brock Purdy had a great game despite two interceptions and is confident that he can get the job done as San Francisco advances into the next round.

“Brock had a couple mistakes, obviously, with his two picks and stuff, but to come back on that last drive and get us in the end zone, lead us all the way down there,” Shanahan said, via NFL.com. *“And get to like the third guy in his progression on the touchdown, real proud of the guys. I think it shows how they’ve been all year....

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally back on a playoff stage at Acrisure Stadium. Tonight, they are hosting their first postseason game since 2020—and their first in front of a full home crowd since 2017. This matchup sets up a collision of streaks against the red-hot Houston Texans. The Texans are riding a nine-game win streak […]

Lions

Lions RG Tate Ratledge feels he has a lot to improve on following his rookie season and noted that he is willing to move to center if needed. There is also the issue that Ratledge, at 6’6, struggles with his pad level, given his height for a guard.

“Definitely better than where it started, but obviously, a lot of things to improve on,” he said, via the team’s website. *“I don’t think I played to this offensive line’s standard and this team’s standard. So, definitely a lot of things I can improve on. It’s pretty disappointing because I...

The Lions expressed interest in Mike McDaniel immediately after his Dolphins ouster. Days later, the sides have scheduled a meeting.

McDaniel will interview for Detroit’s OC post on Tuesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports. This process may take some time, though. McDaniel is on at least three teams’ HC radars, booking Ravens and Falcons interviews today to go with his Titans meeting.

The Lions weren’t shy about their pursuit of McDaniel, as the team reached out to him only hours after his ouster in Miami. Detroit has been hunting around for a replacement for OC John Morton, who was fired [after...

The Steelers have announced their list of inactive players ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

With a fully healthy 53-man roster ahead of kickoff, Pittsburgh’s list headlined by healthy scratches Roman Wilson and Kaleb Johnson, the team’s last two third-round picks at wide receiver and running back, respectively.

Interestingly, cornerback Tre Flowers is inactive after being elevated from the practice squad for the Wild Card game.

The Texans’ inactive list is similarly devoid of impact players. The big news is that quarterback Davis Mills is active and will suit up as C.J. Stroud’s backup quarterback. Rookie Graham...

The Pittsburgh Steelers saved their season with a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North for the first time since 2020 with the victory, allowing the team to host Monday night’s Wild Card clash with the Houston Texans. And Pittsburgh’s home field advantage could have a huge impact on the matchup.

While most NFL observers don’t give the Steelers much of a chance against the Texans’ ferocious defense, Pittsburgh has history on its side.

Mike Tomlin boasts a perfect 12-0 record at home in Monday Night Football games, per Bet Labs Sports. And the...

While Brian Flores‘ contract technically doesn’t expire until after the Super Bowl, the current Vikings defensive coordinator is effectively a free agent. While Flores has generated interest for at least one head coaching job, there’s confidence that he’ll land back in Minnesota if he’s unsuccessful during this year’s hiring cycle.

[RELATED: Ravens To Interview Brian Flores For HC Vacancy]

As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com writes, the Vikings “remain confident” that Flores will be back on their sideline in 2026, barring him getting a head coaching gig. Florio even suggests that the organization may already have a tentative deal lined up...

There's one spot in the divisional round left to decide as the 2025 NFL playoffs roll on with an AFC wild-card matchup between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

Alec Pierce has led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons. He surpassed 800 yards in 2024 despite Anthony Richardson‘s accuracy issues and reached a career-high 1,003 this season.

The Colts’ top deep threat is on track for free agency. Even before Pierce crossed the finish line for his first 1,000-yard season, he was expected to do well in free agency. Now, the Colts want to make sure he stays. Chris Ballard confirmed (via Fox59’s Mike Chappell) keeping Pierce is a priority. This comes after the Cincinnati alum said he was open to re-signing....

PITTSBURGH — Roman Wilson will remain on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sideline rather than on the field as they take on the Houston Texans on Monday night. The second-year receiver and 2024 third-round draft pick will be inactive for the Wild Card playoff matchup, much like he’s been for most of the last two months.

Rookie tailback Kaleb Johnson, cornerback Tre Flowers, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive lineman Logan Lee also won’t dress for the Steelers.

Rookie Will Howard will serve as the Steelers’ emergency third quarterback.

With Wilson not suiting up, the Steelers will go with...

Last season, the Chicago Bears were dead last in the NFC North at 5-12. One season later, they hired Ben Johnson as head coach and are the NFC North champions.

Also, the Bears defeated their rivals, the Green Bay Packers, 31-27 in the NFC Wild Card last Saturday. On Monday, ESPN’s NFL Insider Marcus Spears heaped praise on Johnson for dramatically turning things around in Chicago, per ESPN.

“This is one of the best jobs, since I’ve been here at this network, that I’ve seen a coach do with a team and changing the psychology of the team,” he said....