After one of the most thrilling victories in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Steelers are AFC North division champions and are set to host the Houston Texans for Wild Card Weekend.
Fueled by one of the stingiest defenses in the league, Houston prides itself on winning low-scoring games. Riding an impressive nine-game win streak, the Texans’ offense has begun to hit its stride as well. Third-year QB C.J. Stroud looks more like himself after a bit of a sophomore slump. This season, the Ohio State alumnus boasts the best completion percentage and QBR of his career thus far.
A significant part of Stroud’s success has been the availability of multiple receivers. Nico Collins continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s most dominant wideouts, but it is the depth below him that makes Houston dangerous. Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Christian Kirk have combined for over 1,400 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a collective unit behind Collins.
Defensively, for Houston, the list of stars goes on. Three of said stars were named to this year’s Pro Bowl: Azeez Al-Shaair, Derek Stingley Jr., and Will Anderson Jr., all of whom could be considered the best in the league at their respective positions. In a press conference this week, Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers stated that Houston does not necessarily run many plays defensively, but the ones they do, they are elite at.
Regardless of what they lineup with, the Steelers offense will be challenged mightily come Monday Night. Luckily for the black and gold, WR DK Metcalf returns from his one-game suspension. On defense, T.J. Watt appears good to go once again, giving Pittsburgh a mere fully healthy lineup (aside from a few season-long injuries that remain out).
After surviving one elimination game, can the Steelers get it done again and advance to the Divisional Round for the first time since 2017? Here is how to make sure you find out.
How to watch Texans vs. Steelers
TV channel: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
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