Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans will close out what has been a terrific wild card weekend around the NFL, with each of the first three games decided by one score. Will Pittsburgh and Houston follow suit? And will the Steelers advance? Our staff weighs in.
Mike Nicastro: As has been the case so often this season, the game feels destined to be decided in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. In that scenario, the Steelers are betting on experience. Rodgers has made a career out of delivering in high-leverage moments, and Pittsburgh will trust him to make the necessary plays over Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud.
That said, confidence is far from absolute. There is a lingering sense that Steelers fans may be drinking too much Kool-Aid. The Texans’ recent dominance, particularly against elite competition, is difficult to ignore, and the stylistic matchups do not favor Pittsburgh as much as one might hope. I’m picking with my heart over my head here. Steelers 20, Texans 17.
Ryland Bickley: At home on Monday night, the Steelers could absolutely come away with a win in this one. That said, I don’t like the way the Pittsburgh offense matches up against a truly elite Texans defense. And while the Houston offense definitely comes with a number of flaws, C.J. Stroud and co. are still capable of putting up points.
I have Pittsburgh putting up a valiant effort, but the Steelers’ offense just can’t string together enough successful drives. Texans 27, Steelers 20.
Joey Bray: The Steelers escaped by the skin of their teeth last week against Baltimore to have the right to host a playoff game. This game against Houston is one where the Steelers undoubtedly have a chance to shock the world.
The Steelers offense will greatly benefit from the return of DK Metcalf. Even if he doesn’t light up the stat sheet, having a legitimate threat that the Houston defense has to account for will open things up for the Steelers across the board. The name of the game for Houston’s offense this season has been to not turn the ball over and let their defense control the game. A very similar identity to Pittsburgh, although Houston’s defense has been far more dominant this season.
This game will come down to which defense can make a play and force a turnover, which does give the Steelers a real chance to win. I think Pittsburgh will play a solid game, but not good enough to finally end their playoff drought. Texans 23, Steelers 17.
Alex Hanczar: After their chaotic victory to earn the AFC North crown a week ago, Pittsburgh is set to host a stingy Houston defense on Monday Night.
Arguably, the most critical piece of information in such a phrase is that Pittsburgh plays host on Monday Night. With 23 straight home victories on Monday Night, you could argue that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are a shoo-in to win. Houston defensive coordinator Matt Burke may say otherwise. With...
