The NFL playoffs kick off their first weekend tonight, January 12th, featuring a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans.
The Texans are riding a wave of nine consecutive wins, largely thanks to quarterback CJ Stroud and a high-performing offense that’s active in making those big plays over 40 yards. A victory tonight would not only solidify their tenth win but also mark the first playoff win away from home for the Texans, who remain winless (0-6) in away playoff games historically.
On the other side, the Steelers, led by veteran Aaron Rodgers, just squeaked into the postseason. They’re hoping for a boost on offense with the return of DK Metcalf, back after a two-game suspension. A win here would end a long-standing playoff drought for Pittsburgh, with their last playoff victory dating back to 2017.
Texans vs. Steelers: What to know
- When: January 12th at 8:15 PM ET
- Where: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
- Channel: ESPN, ABC
- Streaming: DIRECTV (offers a free trial)
The winner of this wild card clash will move on to face the Patriots in the divisional round set for Sunday, January 18th.
Texans vs. Steelers start time:
The game is slated to begin at 8:15 PM ET tonight on ESPN.
How to watch the game for free:
If cable isn’t your thing, you can still catch the action. Live TV streaming services are available, and DIRECTV can be a great option with its five-day free trial that includes ESPN and ABC. After the trial, subscriptions start at $49.99 per month for access to over 90 channels.
If a full subscription feels like too much, there’s always Sling TV’s one-day pass for $4.99, giving you access to ESPN for 24 hours. They also offer longer pass options for extended access.
Is there a Manning cast tonight?
Yes! Peyton and Eli Manning will reflect on the Texans-Steelers game live on ESPN2, making this the final Manningcast of the season. They’ll be joined by former Texans player JJ Watt and retired Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
NFL playoff schedule
- Wildcard round: January 10th to 12th (6 games)
- Division round: January 17th-18th (4 games)
- Conference Championship: January 25th (2 games)
- Pro Bowl Game: February 3rd
- Super Bowl LX: February 8th
