After a 3-5 start, Houston (12-5) won nine consecutive games, including three victories over eventual playoff teams. The Texans' winning streak has been the byproduct of an emerging young receiving corps, the steady play of quarterback C.J. Stroud and a defense that finished No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed during the regular season.

The Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers will cap off a thrilling weekend of NFL wild card playoff games when they square off at Acrisure Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night on ESPN. The winner will earn a road game against the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round on Sunday.

The Houston Texans will lean on their dominant edge-rusher duo throughout the action vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Texans will have safety Jaylen Reed back for Monday night’s wild card game in Pittsburgh. Reed was activated from injured reserve on Monday afternoon. Reed has been out with an arm injury since late November. The Texans selected Reed in the fifth round this year. He had 14 tackles and a fumble reserve in seven appearances before his injury.

Though they play in different divisions, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans are in the same conference. One would expect them to face each other more often than every few years, but that has rarely been the case.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speaks his mind on the Houston Texans’ success in 2025, particularly in one key area.

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The wide receiver that QB C.J. Stroud wants to count on most of all is Nico Collins, who didn't play in Week 18. Yes, Nico Collins is healthy and set to be active on Monday night for the Texans against the Steelers. Collins was a healthy scratch in Week 18. He didn't sit because of injury.