Steelers Now
Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers will try to snap their dreaded six-game playoff losing streak on Monday night against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card game.
The Steelers have not won a playoff game since Jan. 15, 2017. It’s the longest playoff win drought for the franchise since pre-1972.
Outside of the 45-42 Divisional Round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the five other Steelers’ playoff losses have been 10+ point losses during the six-game losing streak. The Steelers trailed 21-0 to open the game against Jacksonville, however.
The Steelers largest deficits during six-game playoff losing streak have been 27, 21, 28, 28, 21 and 21 points. They are the only team in playoff history to trail by 21+ in six straight (nobody else has done it in even four straight), according to Doug Clawson of CBS Sports.
Steelers largest deficits during 6-game playoff losing streak
27
21
28
28
21
21Only team in playoff history to trail by 21+ in 6 straight (nobody else has done it in even 4 straight)
— Doug Clawson (@doug_clawson) January 8, 2026
Tomlin downplayed the six-game playoff losing streak when asked about it during his Tuesday press conference.
“You know, it’s not about the organization or myself,” Tomlin said. “It’s about this collective. And quite frankly, most of these men don’t care about the last whatever years (of the streak). Most of them are new to us, and so that’s where my focus is.”
“I’m certainly not going to unpack my bags on the collective’s bed, if you will. I’m excited about (winning a playoff game) and doing it this week with this collective.”
The Steelers have been out-scored 73-0 in the first quarter during their six-game playoff losing streak. They’ve gone 69 straight games scoring seven or less in the first quarter, too.
Based off history, the start of Monday night’s game will be a key component. If the Steelers get down big early to Houston, they could be in trouble.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers’ Dreaded Playoff Losing Streak Has Been Historic
