Pittsburgh Steelers vs Texans Match Player Stats
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Texans match player stats tell the story of a dramatic AFC Wild Card playoff game in which the Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on January 13, 2026. Houston entered the postseason with a 12-5 regular-season record, while Pittsburgh arrived with a 10-7 record and the advantage of playing at home. Despite a competitive opening half, the Texans produced a dominant fourth-quarter performance, scoring 23 unanswered points and shutting out Pittsburgh in the second half.
Houston’s victory was built on a balanced offensive performance, an effective rushing attack, and a defense that repeatedly disrupted Pittsburgh’s passing game. C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards, while Woody Marks rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Christian Kirk was another major difference-maker, finishing with eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.
Pittsburgh struggled to establish offensive consistency. Aaron Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, threw one interception, and failed to record a passing touchdown. The Steelers also managed only 63 rushing yards as a team. Houston’s defense capitalized on those limitations, recording four sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and two defensive touchdowns.
This breakdown examines the important player statistics, quarterback performances, rushing and receiving contributions, defensive numbers, special teams results, and the major statistical differences that explain Houston’s 30-6 playoff victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Texans Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The AFC Wild Card matchup brought together two teams with different offensive approaches and postseason expectations. Pittsburgh hoped its experienced quarterback and home-field advantage would help it advance. Houston, meanwhile, relied on an efficient passing attack, physical rushing production, and an aggressive defensive unit.
The final result reflected Houston’s ability to control the most important areas of the game.
Final Score and Game Information
| Game Detail | Houston Texans | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Final Score | 30 | 6 |
| Overall Record | 12-5 | 10-7 |
| Home/Away Record | 5-3 Away | 6-3 Home |
| First Quarter | 0 | 3 |
| Second Quarter | 7 | 3 |
| Third Quarter | 0 | 0 |
| Fourth Quarter | 23 | 0 |
| Total Points | 30 | 6 |
Game information:
- Competition: AFC Wild Card Playoffs
- Date: January 13, 2026
- Sport: National Football League
- Matchup: Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- Result: Houston Texans won 30-6
- Game Status: Final
- ESPN Game ID: 401772976
Houston did not score during the opening quarter, and Pittsburgh took an early 3-0 advantage. Both teams added points in the second quarter, giving the Texans a narrow 7-6 lead at halftime.
The third quarter remained scoreless. However, the fourth quarter completely changed the game. Houston scored 23 points while Pittsburgh failed to add anything to its total.
The final quarter was especially important because it demonstrated how quickly a close playoff contest can become one-sided when a team combines offensive production with defensive pressure.
First-Half Performance: Pittsburgh Starts Strong
The opening stages of the game were relatively competitive. Pittsburgh managed to put points on the scoreboard first, taking a 3-0 lead during the opening quarter.
Houston initially struggled to convert its offensive opportunities into points. Although the Texans eventually established a more productive offensive rhythm, their early scoring output did not immediately reflect their overall statistical potential.
Pittsburgh’s defense also deserves credit for its early resistance. The Steelers finished with 79 total tackles, six passes defended, and three sacks. Their defensive unit remained involved throughout the contest, even when the offense struggled.
The second quarter provided the game’s first major offensive breakthrough for Houston. The Texans scored seven points, while Pittsburgh added another three.
That produced a 7-6 Houston advantage at halftime.
The difference was small, but Houston had already demonstrated an ability to generate more meaningful offensive production. The Texans eventually finished with 414 receiving and rushing yards combined according to the supplied individual and team rushing and receiving figures, although passing totals require careful interpretation because of inconsistencies in the extracted statistics.
Fourth Quarter: Houston Turns a Close Game Into a Blowout
The fourth quarter was the defining period of the matchup.
Houston entered the final quarter with a narrow advantage after a scoreless third quarter. Rather than allowing Pittsburgh to regain momentum, the Texans produced 23 points.
Pittsburgh failed to respond.
Several factors help explain the difference:
- Houston maintained a productive rushing attack.
- Christian Kirk provided a major receiving threat.
- C.J. Stroud protected the football relatively well compared with Pittsburgh’s quarterback.
- Houston generated consistent pressure on Aaron Rodgers.
- The Texans created defensive scoring opportunities.
The fourth-quarter performance demonstrated Houston’s ability to influence the game on both sides of the football.
A particularly important element was the defensive contribution. Houston recorded two defensive touchdowns in the supplied team statistics. Calen Bullock accounted for one of those scores with an interception return touchdown covering 50 yards.
The supplied data does not identify the player responsible for the other defensive touchdown, so it would be inaccurate to assign that score to a particular individual.
Nevertheless, defensive scoring played an important role in Houston’s final margin.
Quarterback Statistics: C.J. Stroud vs Aaron Rodgers
Quarterback production was one of the most important statistical differences in this matchup.
Both quarterbacks faced defensive pressure, but their passing efficiency and ability to generate scoring opportunities were significantly different.
C.J. Stroud Player Stats
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| Passing Category | Statistics |
| Completions | 21 |
| Attempts | 32 |
| Completion Percentage | 65.6% |
| Passing Yards | 250 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 7.8 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks Taken | 3 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 6 |
| QBR | 62.2 |
| Passer Rating | 86.7 |
C.J. Stroud delivered a productive performance that helped Houston establish control of the offensive game.
His 21 completions on 32 attempts represented a completion percentage of approximately 65.6%. He averaged 7.8 yards per passing attempt, showing that Houston was able to generate useful yardage without requiring an unusually high number of throws.
Stroud finished with 250 passing yards and one touchdown.
His most notable statistical advantage was his ability to distribute the football effectively. Christian Kirk became his leading receiving target, while several other receivers contributed smaller but useful gains.
Stroud did throw one interception, so his performance was not entirely mistake-free. Houston also recorded five team fumbles in the supplied statistics, with two lost. Ball security therefore remained an area that required attention despite the comfortable victory.
However, Stroud’s overall production gave Houston a foundation for its offensive success.
His three sacks for only six yards lost also compare favorably with Pittsburgh’s quarterback numbers. The difference in sack yardage was particularly important because it limited the negative impact of Houston’s pass protection problems.
Aaron Rodgers Player Stats
| Passing Category | Statistics |
| Completions | 17 |
| Attempts | 33 |
| Completion Percentage | 51.5% |
| Passing Yards | 146 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 4.4 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks Taken | 4 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 36 |
| QBR | 14.9 |
| Passer Rating | 50.8 |
Aaron Rodgers experienced a difficult postseason performance.
He completed 17 of 33 attempts for 146 passing yards. His completion percentage was approximately 51.5%, considerably lower than Stroud’s 65.6%.
The biggest concern was his limited passing efficiency.
Rodgers averaged just 4.4 yards per attempt and did not throw a touchdown. His passing performance also included one interception and four sacks for a loss of 36 yards.
These numbers indicate that Pittsburgh struggled to generate consistent passing opportunities.
Rodgers was unable to create enough explosive plays to challenge Houston’s defensive structure. The Texans also generated 12 quarterback hits, suggesting that their defensive front repeatedly affected his ability to operate comfortably.
A quarterback can sometimes compensate for limited rushing production with efficient passing. Pittsburgh did not achieve that balance in this game.
Mason Rudolph Player Stats
Pittsburgh also used Mason Rudolph, who recorded one passing attempt.
| Passing Category | Statistics |
| Completions | 1 |
| Attempts | 1 |
| Passing Yards | 2 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 2.0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| QBR | 99.9 |
| Passer Rating | 79.2 |
Rudolph completed his only attempt for two yards.
His contribution was too limited to create a meaningful comparison with the starting quarterbacks. His statistics should therefore be considered a small part of Pittsburgh’s overall passing performance rather than evidence of a significant offensive change.
Quarterback Comparison
| Category | C.J. Stroud | Aaron Rodgers |
| Completions | 21 | 17 |
| Attempts | 32 | 33 |
| Completion Rate | 65.6% | 51.5% |
| Passing Yards | 250 | 146 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 7.8 | 4.4 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 3 | 4 |
| QBR | 62.2 | 14.9 |
| Passer Rating | 86.7 | 50.8 |
Stroud held the advantage in nearly every major passing category.
He completed more passes, generated 104 additional passing yards, averaged more yards per attempt, and recorded the only passing touchdown between the two starting quarterbacks.
The most important difference was efficiency. Pittsburgh needed more attempts to produce substantially fewer passing yards.
That made it difficult for the Steelers to sustain drives and maintain offensive pressure.
Rushing Statistics: Woody Marks Leads Houston’s Ground Attack
Houston’s rushing performance was another major factor behind the victory.
The Texans recorded 164 team rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Pittsburgh managed only 63 rushing yards on 18 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.
That created a 101-yard difference in team rushing production.
Woody Marks Rushing Stats
| Rushing Category | Statistics |
| Carries | 19 |
| Rushing Yards | 112 |
| Average | 5.9 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Longest Run | 20 yards |
Woody Marks delivered one of the strongest individual performances of the game.
He carried the football 19 times for 112 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 20 yards, and he scored one rushing touchdown.
Marks accounted for a significant portion of Houston’s ground production.
His performance was important because it prevented Pittsburgh from focusing entirely on Stroud’s passing game.
When a running back consistently generates positive yardage, opposing defenses must respect the possibility of a handoff. That creates additional opportunities for play-action passing and different offensive formations.
Marks provided that balance.
His 112 rushing yards also exceeded the entire Pittsburgh team’s rushing total by 49 yards.
Nick Chubb Rushing Stats
| Rushing Category | Statistics |
| Carries | 10 |
| Rushing Yards | 48 |
| Average | 4.8 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Run | 9 yards |
Nick Chubb contributed 48 rushing yards on 10 carries.
His 4.8-yard average gave Houston another productive option in the backfield.
Although Chubb did not score, his contribution helped the Texans maintain their ground-game production throughout the contest.
Having two running backs produce meaningful yardage can make an offense more difficult to defend. It also gives the coaching staff flexibility when managing player workloads and selecting formations.
Other Houston Rushing Contributions
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
| Cade Stover | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 |
| C.J. Stroud | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Woody Marks | 19 | 112 | 5.9 | 1 |
| Nick Chubb | 10 | 48 | 4.8 | 0 |
Houston finished with 31 rushing attempts for 164 yards and one touchdown.
The combination of Marks and Chubb gave the Texans a dependable rushing foundation.
Jaylen Warren Rushing Stats
Pittsburgh’s leading rusher was Jaylen Warren.
| Rushing Category | Statistics |
| Carries | 12 |
| Rushing Yards | 43 |
| Average | 3.6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
Warren recorded 43 yards on 12 carries.
His 3.6-yard average was respectable in isolation, but it was not enough to establish a consistently productive ground attack.
Pittsburgh needed more rushing production to reduce the pressure on Rodgers.
Without a dependable running game, Houston’s defense could concentrate more attention on the passing game and apply additional pressure to the quarterback.
Kenny Gainwell Rushing Stats
| Rushing Category | Statistics |
| Carries | 6 |
| Rushing Yards | 20 |
| Average | 3.3 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
Kenny Gainwell added 20 yards on six attempts.
His production provided some support, but Pittsburgh’s rushing attack remained limited.
Team Rushing Comparison
| Category | Houston Texans | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Rushing Attempts | 31 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 164 | 63 |
| Average Per Carry | 5.3 | 3.5 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
Houston’s advantage was clear.
The Texans attempted 13 more rushing plays and gained 101 additional yards. They also scored a rushing touchdown, while Pittsburgh failed to find the end zone on the ground.
This difference helped Houston control the offensive rhythm and created more difficult situations for Pittsburgh’s defense.
Receiving Statistics: Christian Kirk Delivers a Standout Performance
Christian Kirk was Houston’s leading receiver and one of the most influential offensive players in the matchup.
His production gave Stroud a reliable target and helped Houston create explosive passing opportunities.
Christian Kirk Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 8 |
| Targets | 9 |
| Receiving Yards | 144 |
| Average | 18.0 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Longest Reception | 46 yards |
Kirk caught eight of nine targets for 144 yards and one touchdown.
His 18-yard average per reception demonstrated his ability to generate significant yardage after the catch or through downfield opportunities.
The 46-yard reception was particularly important because it represented Houston’s longest recorded reception.
Kirk’s performance also showed the value of receiver efficiency.
He caught nearly 89% of his targets, giving Stroud a dependable option throughout the passing game.
His 144 receiving yards were almost equal to Rodgers’ entire passing-yard total of 146.
That comparison highlights how influential Kirk was in determining the offensive difference between the teams.
Jayden Higgins Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Targets | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 39 |
| Average | 13.0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 16 yards |
Jayden Higgins finished with three catches for 39 yards.
He averaged 13 yards per reception and provided another option in Houston’s passing attack.
Although his production was much smaller than Kirk’s, his contributions helped prevent the Texans from relying on one receiver exclusively.
Xavier Hutchinson Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 2 |
| Targets | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 21 |
| Average | 10.5 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 16 yards |
Xavier Hutchinson recorded two receptions for 21 yards.
His contribution helped Houston distribute the football across multiple receiving options.
Nico Collins Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Targets | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 21 |
| Average | 7.0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 13 yards |
Nico Collins finished with three receptions for 21 yards.
His seven targets indicate that he remained involved in the passing offense, even though his yardage production was limited compared with Kirk’s.
Other Houston Receiving Performances
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Cade Stover | 2 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| Dalton Schultz | 3 | 4 | 12 | 0 |
| Woody Marks | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaylin Noel | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Houston’s receiving attack featured several players with different roles.
Kirk supplied the explosive production, while Higgins, Hutchinson, Collins, Stover, and Schultz contributed additional receiving opportunities.
This distribution gave Stroud multiple options and made the passing attack less predictable.
DK Metcalf Receiving Stats
DK Metcalf was Pittsburgh’s leading receiver in terms of yardage.
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 2 |
| Targets | 5 |
| Receiving Yards | 42 |
| Average | 21.0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 25 yards |
Metcalf recorded 42 yards on two receptions.
His 21-yard average was higher than Kirk’s 18-yard average, but he had considerably fewer catches and targets.
The biggest issue was the limited number of successful connections between Metcalf and Rodgers.
Pittsburgh needed its leading receiving options to become more involved if it wanted to generate consistent offensive momentum.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Targets | 5 |
| Receiving Yards | 26 |
| Average | 8.7 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 14 yards |
Valdes-Scantling caught three passes for 26 yards.
His contribution helped Pittsburgh move the football, but the offense did not convert those opportunities into touchdowns.
Kenny Gainwell Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 4 |
| Targets | 6 |
| Receiving Yards | 26 |
| Average | 6.5 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 12 yards |
Gainwell was one of Pittsburgh’s more frequently involved receiving options.
He caught four passes for 26 yards, giving Rodgers a short-range option.
However, the modest average of 6.5 yards per reception limited the explosive potential of those connections.
Adam Thielen Receiving Stats
| Receiving Category | Statistics |
| Receptions | 2 |
| Targets | 2 |
| Receiving Yards | 25 |
| Average | 12.5 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 21 yards |
Adam Thielen caught both of his targets for 25 yards.
His perfect target conversion was a positive individual result, although Pittsburgh could not build enough consistent passing production around it.
Other Pittsburgh Receiving Performances
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| Pat Freiermuth | 1 | 3 | 18 | 0 |
| Calvin Austin III | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| Jaylen Warren | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | 2 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
Jonnu Smith’s two receptions resulted in a combined loss of one receiving yard.
Calvin Austin III also had limited production, finishing with three receptions for eight yards.
These numbers demonstrate how difficult it was for Pittsburgh to generate meaningful yardage through its receiving group.
Team Receiving Comparison
| Category | Houston | Pittsburgh |
| Receptions | 21 | 18 |
| Receiving Yards | 250 | 148 |
| Average Per Reception | 11.9 | 8.2 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 46 yards | 25 yards |
| Targets | 32 | 31 |
Houston had the advantage in receptions, total receiving yardage, average production, and touchdowns.
The Texans generated 102 more receiving yards according to the supplied team receiving figures.
Kirk was the central difference-maker, but the overall numbers also show that Houston received contributions from several players.
Defensive Statistics: Houston Creates the Biggest Difference
Houston’s defensive performance was one of the most important reasons for the final score.
The Texans finished with four sacks, eight tackles for loss, four passes defended, and 12 quarterback hits.
They also recorded two defensive touchdowns in the supplied team statistics.
Pittsburgh’s defense remained active, producing 79 tackles, three sacks, six passes defended, and three quarterback hits.
However, the Steelers did not record a defensive touchdown.
Houston Texans Defensive Statistics
| Defensive Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 61 |
| Solo Tackles | 32 |
| Sacks | 4 |
| Tackles for Loss | 8 |
| Passes Defended | 4 |
| Quarterback Hits | 12 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
Houston’s 12 quarterback hits were particularly significant.
A quarterback hit does not always result in a sack, but repeated pressure can affect timing, passing accuracy, and decision-making.
The Texans managed four sacks while also disrupting several other passing attempts.
Their defensive performance created problems for Rodgers throughout the game.
Jalen Pitre Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 7 |
| Solo Tackles | 5 |
| Tackles for Loss | 2 |
Jalen Pitre led Houston’s supplied defensive individual statistics with seven total tackles and five solo tackles.
His two tackles for loss demonstrated his involvement in stopping Pittsburgh’s offensive plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Will Anderson Jr. Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 3 |
| Solo Tackles | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Quarterback Hits | 3 |
Will Anderson Jr. recorded one sack and three quarterback hits.
His pressure production was particularly valuable because it forced Pittsburgh to operate under difficult passing conditions.
Sheldon Rankins Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 2 |
| Solo Tackles | Not specified |
| Sacks | 1.5 |
| Tackles for Loss | 1 |
Sheldon Rankins recorded 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss.
His performance helped Houston maintain pressure from the defensive interior.
Danielle Hunter Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 2 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for Loss | 1 |
Danielle Hunter contributed another sack and a tackle for loss.
Houston’s ability to generate pressure from multiple defensive players made it difficult for Pittsburgh to focus on stopping a single pass rusher.
Additional Houston Defensive Contributors
| Player | Total Tackles | Other Contributions |
| Henry To’oTo’o | 7 | 1 pass defended |
| Azeez Al-Shaair | 6 | 1 tackle for loss |
| Kamari Lassiter | 6 | 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended |
The Texans received contributions from their linebackers and secondary players as well as their defensive line.
That balance helped the team limit Pittsburgh’s offensive production.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Statistics
| Defensive Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 79 |
| Solo Tackles | 35 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 6 |
| Quarterback Hits | 3 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
Pittsburgh recorded more total tackles than Houston.
However, total tackles alone do not establish which defense performed better.
A defense can record many tackles because opponents repeatedly complete passes or gain yardage before being stopped.
Houston’s four sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits provide a stronger indication of its ability to disrupt Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm.
Patrick Queen Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 10 |
| Solo Tackles | 7 |
Patrick Queen led Pittsburgh’s defensive players with 10 total tackles and seven solo tackles.
His involvement demonstrated the workload placed on the Steelers’ defensive unit.
T.J. Watt Defensive Stats
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Tackles | 6 |
| Solo Tackles | 3 |
T.J. Watt finished with six tackles, including three solo stops.
Although his defensive contribution remained noticeable, Pittsburgh struggled to translate its defensive activity into a complete team performance.
Other Pittsburgh Defensive Contributors
| Player | Total Tackles | Additional Statistics |
| Chuck Clark | 6 | 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended |
| Derrick Harmon | 6 | 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit |
| Nick Herbig | 5 | 2 solo tackles |
| Keeanu Benton | 4 | 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hit |
Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton each contributed a sack.
Their pressure production helped Pittsburgh record three sacks as a team.
However, the Steelers were unable to produce the same level of overall disruption as Houston.
Interceptions and Defensive Turnovers
Turnovers played an important role in the matchup.
Houston recorded one interception, while Pittsburgh also recorded one interception.
Calen Bullock Interception
| Category | Statistics |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Return Yards | 50 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 1 |
Calen Bullock produced one of the most significant defensive plays of the game.
His interception resulted in a 50-yard return touchdown.
An interception return touchdown has a different impact from an ordinary defensive stop.
It immediately adds points to the scoreboard without requiring the offense to complete a drive.
It can also change the opponent’s approach because the team falling behind must take greater offensive risks.
Bullock’s contribution therefore represented more than a turnover. It was a direct scoring play.
Brandin Echols Interception
| Category | Statistics |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Return Yards | 0 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 0 |
Brandin Echols recorded Pittsburgh’s interception.
However, the supplied statistics show no return yards or defensive touchdown.
The Steelers were unable to turn their defensive takeaway into the kind of scoreboard advantage Houston generated from its interception.
Fumbles and Ball Security
Ball security was another important part of the statistical picture.
Houston recorded five team fumbles, with two lost. Pittsburgh recorded two team fumbles, with one lost, according to the supplied data.
Team Fumble Comparison
| Category | Houston | Pittsburgh |
| Fumbles | 5 | 2 |
| Fumbles Lost | 2 | 1 |
Houston won comfortably despite recording more fumbles.
That is an important reminder that the final result does not mean the winning team played a flawless game.
The Texans had areas that required improvement, particularly their ball security.
C.J. Stroud Fumble Statistics
| Category | Statistics |
| Fumbles | 5 |
| Lost | 2 |
| Recovered | 3 |
Stroud’s supplied individual fumble figures show five fumbles, with two lost.
These numbers deserve attention because turnovers can quickly change a playoff game.
Although Houston’s offense produced enough yardage and touchdowns to win, repeated ball-security problems could become costly against stronger postseason opponents.
Aaron Rodgers Fumble Statistics
| Category | Statistics |
| Fumbles | 2 |
| Lost | 1 |
Rodgers recorded two fumbles and lost one.
Pittsburgh’s inability to generate consistent offensive production made every lost possession more damaging.
The Steelers needed to protect the football and create longer offensive drives, but the supplied statistics show problems in both areas.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams did not receive as much attention as Houston’s offensive and defensive performances, but they still contributed to the overall matchup.
The Texans and Steelers used their kicking and punting units in different situations throughout the game.
Ka’imi Fairbairn Kicking Stats
| Kicking Category | Statistics |
| Field Goals Made | 1 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 1 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% |
| Longest Field Goal | 51 yards |
| Extra Points Made | 3 |
| Extra Points Attempted | 4 |
| Total Points | 6 |
Ka’imi Fairbairn converted his only field-goal attempt, connecting from a maximum recorded distance of 51 yards.
He also made three of four extra-point attempts.
His six total points provided an important contribution to Houston’s final score.
Chris Boswell Kicking Stats
| Kicking Category | Statistics |
| Field Goals Made | 2 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% |
| Longest Field Goal | 35 yards |
| Extra Points | Not attempted |
| Total Points | 6 |
Chris Boswell converted both of his field-goal attempts.
He finished with six points, matching Fairbairn’s individual scoring total.
Pittsburgh’s challenge was not necessarily the performance of its kicker. The larger problem was that the offense failed to generate touchdowns.
Punting Comparison
| Category | Tommy Townsend | Corliss Waitman |
| Punts | 3 | 6 |
| Total Punting Yards | 125 | 273 |
| Average | 41.7 | 45.5 |
| Inside 20 | 1 | 4 |
| Touchbacks | 0 | 0 |
| Longest Punt | 60 yards | 56 yards |
Corliss Waitman punted six times for 273 yards.
Tommy Townsend recorded three punts for 125 yards.
Waitman’s four punts inside the 20-yard line showed that he helped Pittsburgh create unfavorable starting field positions for Houston on several possessions.
However, the number of punts also reflects Pittsburgh’s offensive difficulties.
The Steelers needed six punts because they struggled to sustain drives.
Kick Return Statistics
| Category | Houston | Pittsburgh |
| Returns | 3 | 4 |
| Total Yards | 59 | 100 |
| Average | 19.7 | 25.0 |
| Longest Return | 22 | 28 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
Jaylin Noel recorded Houston’s three kick returns for 59 yards.
Kenny Gainwell handled Pittsburgh’s four returns for 100 yards.
Gainwell averaged 25 yards per return, giving the Steelers a slight advantage in this special teams category.
Punt Return Statistics
| Category | Houston | Pittsburgh |
| Returns | 3 | 1 |
| Total Yards | 22 | 14 |
| Average | 7.3 | 14.0 |
| Longest Return | 12 | 14 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
Jaylin Noel recorded three punt returns for Houston, while Calvin Austin III handled Pittsburgh’s single return.
Neither team recorded a punt-return touchdown.
Statistical Comparison: Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The following table highlights the main team-level differences.
| Statistical Category | Houston | Pittsburgh |
| Final Score | 30 | 6 |
| Passing Completions | 21 | 18 |
| Passing Attempts | 32 | 34 |
| Team Passing Yards | 244 | 112 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing Attempts | 31 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 164 | 63 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Receptions | 21 | 18 |
| Receiving Yards | 250 | 148 |
| Sacks | 4 | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 8 | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 4 | 6 |
| Quarterback Hits | 12 | 3 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Field Goals Made | 1 | 2 |
| Punts | 3 | 6 |
Statistical note: The supplied extracted data contains discrepancies between individual player totals and team passing and receiving totals. For example, the Houston team passing line lists 244 yards, while its receiving line lists 250 yards. Pittsburgh’s corresponding figures are 112 and 148 yards. The figures are presented according to their supplied categories rather than being silently adjusted. The team passing totals should not be treated as interchangeable with receiving totals.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Three major differences stand out.
- Houston controlled the rushing game.
The Texans produced 164 rushing yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 63.
This 101-yard advantage helped Houston maintain offensive balance and reduced the pressure on Stroud to carry every possession through the air.
- Houston generated more passing efficiency.
Stroud averaged 7.8 yards per attempt, while Rodgers averaged 4.4.
The difference was significant because Pittsburgh needed more passing attempts to generate fewer yards.
- Houston created more defensive disruption.
The Texans recorded 12 quarterback hits compared with Pittsburgh’s three.
They also finished with eight tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns.
Those contributions helped turn Houston’s offensive advantage into a decisive scoreboard result.
Why the Houston Texans Won
Houston’s victory was not based on one individual statistic.
It came from several complementary performances that worked together.
1. A Balanced Offensive Approach
Houston did not rely exclusively on its passing game.
Stroud produced 250 passing yards, while Marks and Chubb combined for 160 rushing yards.
That balance made the Texans difficult to defend.
Pittsburgh had to account for both the passing and rushing threats, rather than concentrating entirely on stopping Stroud.
2. Christian Kirk’s Receiving Production
Kirk’s 144 receiving yards were a major offensive advantage.
His eight receptions gave Houston a dependable passing option, and his 46-yard longest reception demonstrated the ability to create explosive plays.
Pittsburgh’s leading receiver, Metcalf, finished with 42 yards.
That difference illustrates the gap between the two passing attacks.
3. Defensive Pressure on Rodgers
Houston’s defensive front generated four sacks and 12 quarterback hits.
Rodgers was also limited to 146 passing yards and did not record a passing touchdown.
The pressure affected Pittsburgh’s ability to maintain passing rhythm.
4. Defensive Scoring
Bullock’s 50-yard interception return touchdown was one of the most influential individual plays recorded in the supplied statistics.
Houston’s two defensive touchdowns provided additional scoring without requiring its offense to complete traditional touchdown drives.
5. A Dominant Fourth Quarter
The most obvious difference appeared in the final quarter.
Houston scored 23 points, while Pittsburgh scored zero.
The Texans turned a narrow halftime advantage into a 24-point final margin.
That scoring sequence ultimately defined the matchup.
What Pittsburgh Needed to Do Differently
The Steelers’ performance highlighted several areas that required improvement.
Improve Passing Efficiency
Rodgers averaged only 4.4 yards per attempt.
Pittsburgh needed more productive passing plays and a better connection between its quarterback and receiving options.
Metcalf’s 42 yards were not enough to provide the explosive receiving production the offense required.
Establish a More Effective Running Game
Pittsburgh finished with 63 rushing yards.
Warren led the team with 43 yards, but the overall ground attack failed to match Houston’s production.
A stronger rushing performance could have helped the Steelers control possession and reduce the pressure on Rodgers.
Protect the Quarterback
Four sacks and 12 Houston quarterback hits indicate that the Texans consistently disrupted Pittsburgh’s passing offense.
Better protection and quicker offensive decisions could have helped reduce those negative plays.
Convert Opportunities Into Touchdowns
Boswell converted both field-goal attempts, but Pittsburgh did not record an offensive touchdown.
Field goals can keep a team competitive, but they become insufficient when an opponent produces multiple touchdowns and defensive scores.
Pittsburgh needed more successful red-zone opportunities.
Important Statistical Lessons From the Matchup
This game provides several useful lessons for evaluating NFL player statistics.
Passing Yards Do Not Tell the Entire Story
A quarterback’s passing yardage is important, but it does not explain everything.
Stroud’s 250 yards came with one touchdown and one interception.
Rodgers recorded 146 yards, also with one interception, but his lower yards per attempt and four sacks created a much less productive passing performance.
A complete evaluation should consider:
- Completion percentage
- Yards per attempt
- Passing touchdowns
- Interceptions
- Sacks
- Quarterback rating
- Overall offensive efficiency
Looking at these numbers together provides a more accurate understanding of quarterback performance.
Rushing Efficiency Can Change Defensive Strategy
Marks averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
That production forced Pittsburgh to respect Houston’s running game.
When a team consistently gains positive yardage on the ground, its opponent cannot focus exclusively on defending passes.
This creates additional opportunities for receivers and quarterbacks.
Defensive Statistics Must Be Evaluated Together
Pittsburgh recorded 79 tackles, more than Houston’s 61.
However, Houston generated more sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, and defensive touchdowns.
This demonstrates why one defensive category should never be used as the only measure of team performance.
Explosive Plays Matter
Kirk’s 46-yard reception and Bullock’s 50-yard interception return touchdown were two major examples of explosive plays.
Such plays can change field position and scoreboard pressure quickly.
They are especially valuable in playoff games, where every possession can carry significant consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Texans game?
The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the AFC Wild Card playoff matchup on January 13, 2026. Houston scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, while Pittsburgh failed to score in the second half.
2. How many passing yards did C.J. Stroud record?
C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He averaged 7.8 yards per attempt and finished with an 86.7 passer rating.
3. How many passing yards did Aaron Rodgers have?
Aaron Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards. He threw no touchdowns and one interception, took four sacks, and finished with a 50.8 passer rating.
4. Who was the leading rusher in the game?
Woody Marks was Houston’s leading rusher with 112 yards on 19 carries. He averaged 5.9 yards per attempt and scored one rushing touchdown.
5. Who was the leading receiver for Houston?
Christian Kirk led Houston with eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception covered 46 yards.
6. Which team had the better defensive performance?
Houston produced the more impactful defensive performance. The Texans recorded four sacks, 12 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, and two defensive touchdowns. Pittsburgh finished with three sacks and no defensive touchdowns.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans’ 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a convincing example of how balanced offense and disruptive defense can determine a playoff matchup.
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Texans match player stats show that Houston held important advantages in passing efficiency, rushing production, receiving yardage, quarterback pressure, and defensive scoring.
C.J. Stroud delivered 250 passing yards, Woody Marks contributed 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Christian Kirk produced 144 receiving yards with a touchdown. Those performances gave Houston the offensive production it needed.
Pittsburgh struggled to find similar consistency. Aaron Rodgers finished with 146 passing yards and no touchdowns, while the Steelers managed only 63 rushing yards as a team. Their defense recorded several individual contributions, but it could not prevent Houston from dominating the final quarter.
The most decisive part of the contest was Houston’s 23-point fourth quarter. Combined with the Texans’ defensive pressure and scoring plays, that performance transformed a close game into a convincing postseason victory.
Ultimately, Houston advanced with a complete team performance, while Pittsburgh was left with questions about offensive efficiency, quarterback protection, and its inability to convert opportunities into touchdowns.
