Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans Wild Card preview: Kick-off time, news, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

The sixth and final game of Wild Card weekend promises to be a thriller, as the #5 seed Houston Texans head to Acrisure Stadium to take on the #4 seed Pittsburgh Steelers.

As arguably the hottest team in the league with nine consecutive wins under their belt, Houston are the team - and dominant defense - every other playoff side wanted to avoid.

Pittsburgh may have one of the oldest rosters in the league, but with age comes experience, and in the playoffs, that know-how - combined with the elite playmakers they have on both sides of the ball - counts.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of what promises to be a titanic AFC Wild Card matchup. And don't forget that with DAZN's latest offer, this and every postseason game can be yours for just £19.99.

Who to watch

He's no longer the player he once was, and he's probably not even the best player in this contest, but when we talk about knowing what it takes to win big games, few compare to what 42-year-old future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers brings to the table.

Besides, despite his advancing years, Rodgers still has a little juice left in the tank.

At this stage of his career, every playoff appearance carries extra weight, and the former Super Bowl winner and four-time MVP is aware that this may be his final window to add to his impressive legacy.

In his corner for this one are a trio of game-changers, led by imposing wideout D.K. Metcalf, pass-catching tailback Kenneth Gainwell, and Gainwell's backfield partner, Jaylen Warren - the team's leading rusher.

Unfortunately for Rodgers and Co., this matchup is as unforgiving as they come. Houston’s defense is as good as it gets, and the conversation has to start with their dominant edge rushers, Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (15 sacks).

With such at their disposal talent upfront, it allows DeMeco Ryans' side to create pressure without committing additional blitzers, which in turn allows them to drop additional bodies into the secondary.

On the other side of the ball, Houston’s offense still runs through C.J. Stroud. He's no world-beater, but with wideout Nico Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz creating mismatches, he doesn't have to be.

On the ground, rookie Woody Marks is not the most elusive, and doesn't break tackles at the same rate of the league's best, but as the Texans' top rusher, he remains one to watch.

Of course, Pittsburgh’s defensive identity still begins with T.J. Watt. The sack totals may not be quite what they were in the past, but he remains one of the best in the business and often finds a way to impact a game in other ways.

And when the threat of Watt means he is double-teamed, it frees up his teammates Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig to make game-changing plays in his stead.

Keys to the game

• Rodgers under pressure: This point, above all others, has the potential to swing the game. Protect Rodgers, and the Steelers could cause an upset. Allow Anderson and Hunter to do what they do best, and the job becomes significantly harder.
• Stroud staying mistake-free: The Texans' QB shouldn't have to win this for Houston. But he could lose it for them if he allows the weight of the occasion to get the better of him.
• Warren vs Houston's interior DL: The Texans are one of the best in the league at erasing inside runs.

Kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Tuesday, January 13
• Kick-off time: 1.15am GMT / 8.15pm ET / 5.15pm PT
• Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Prediction

Pittsburgh are the underdogs, but don't assume they'll be a pushover. The crowd will be loud, the hits will add up, and if it remains close near the end, Rodgers' composure would give them the edge.

But Houston’s defense is built for this kind of fight. Their front can hold up against the run, their edge rushers will be gunning for Rodgers, and they have enough offensive weapons to help Stroud lead them to victory.

It may not be a high-scoring affair, but the Texans take this one and advance to the Divisional Round, where, if I'm right about the outcome of the other Wild Card games, the Patriots await.

Steelers 17 - 24 Texans

How to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans on DAZN

Every NFL game during the 2025 regular season and playoffs - including the Super Bowl - is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.

DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with access to every regular-season NFL game and every playoff matchup, live or on demand.

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• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
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• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google, or Facebook options
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• Then find the NFL and click 'buy now' to choose your Game Pass membership level

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In Canada, NFL Game Pass is included with the DAZN subscription. Click here to see prices.

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The early DAZN Game Pass playoff offer gives you access to every game throughout the postseason, including the Super Bowl, for only £19.99!

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What is the difference between the Regular and Ultimate tiers? 

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• HDR: Watch the Super Bowl LX (and other games) in High Dynamic Range, enhancing picture quality.
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• NFL Network: Access 24/7 NFL content, including news, analysis, and highlights.
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• ManningCast (and other alternate feeds): Get a different perspective on Thursday Night Football with this popular broadcast.
• Download and Go: Download games and content to watch offline or while travelling.
• Multiple Devices & Locations: Stream on up to five devices and in two locations simultaneously.

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