The Houston Texans did not just win a playoff game on the road. They rewrote a chapter of team history. With a 30-6 rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild-card showdown on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, Houston earned its first road playoff win after starting 0-6 all-time away from home in January. The defense slammed the door, the fourth quarter turned into a party, and a raucous Pittsburgh crowd went quiet as boos poured down late.

For a national audience on ESPN/ABC — with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call after an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff — the Texans showed why they finished the regular season with the NFL’s No. 1 defense in yards allowed and No. 2 in scoring defense. They gave Aaron Rodgers nothing easy, forced mistakes when it mattered most, and even put points on the board themselves.

Defense writes the story in bold

Houston’s defense was the star from start to finish. The Steelers managed just 175 total yards, never found the end zone, and saw Rodgers stuck at 146 passing yards. When the game flipped, it flipped because the Texans’ defense took the ball — and the scoreboard — into its own hands.

In the fourth quarter, veteran lineman Sheldon Rankins scooped up a fumble and rumbled 33 yards for a touchdown. Minutes later, rookie defensive back Calen Bullock jumped a route and sprinted 50 yards for a pick-six. Those two defensive scores turned a tense night into a runaway and sealed a statement win.

“That’s not just a win. That’s a swagger shift — defense traveled and took the house.”

Stroud, Kirk and Marks did the rest

The Texans did not need an offensive explosion, but they hit the right notes. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw one touchdown — a strike to Christian Kirk — and battled through three turnovers. Kirk, the Texans’ top target on the night, was outstanding with eight catches for 144 yards, winning matchups and moving chains when drives needed life.

On the ground, Woody Marks provided balance and toughness. He ran for 112 yards and punched in a 13-yard score, helping Houston control tempo as their defense kept stacking stops. It was simple, fearless playoff football: run with purpose, take shots to your playmaker, and let the defense close the door.

A fourth-quarter avalanche

The scoreline tells the tale of a late surge. After a slow-burn first three quarters, the Texans erupted, outscoring the Steelers 23-0 in the fourth. Here’s how the game flowed:

• Texans by quarter: 0, 7, 0, 23
• Steelers by quarter: 3, 3, 0, 0

Pittsburgh’s only points came on two field goals before halftime. After the break, Houston’s defense and run game wore down the Steelers, and the turnovers finally broke the dam.

“When your defense scores twice in January, you’re not just winning — you’re advancing.”

Pittsburgh’s skid deepens as boos rain down

This was a harsh night for the AFC North champions. The Steelers finished 10-7 and earned the No. 4 seed, but their postseason drought continued. They have now lost seven straight playoff games, the longest active streak in the NFL, and have dropped three straight postseason games at home. Their last playoff win came in 2016 against the Chiefs, a drought that has stretched nine years.

One of the quirks of the night: a famous streak ended. Pittsburgh entered the game 23-0 on Monday Night Football since 1992. The Texans snapped that record run with force.

Aaron Rodgers never found rhythm against Houston’s speed and discipline. DK Metcalf returned from a two-game suspension and caught two passes for 42 yards, but splash plays were rare. As the fourth quarter tilted toward Houston, Steelers fans voiced their frustration with loud boos.

Asked postgame about his future, head coach Mike Tomlin kept it brief and focused on the loss: “I am not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight. I am more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium and you know certainly what we did or did not do.”

“Seven straight playoff losses. At some point it’s not about seedings — it’s about answers.”

Why Houston’s formula travels

Road playoff wins usually come down to two things: defense and a run game that shortens the night. The Texans had both. They didn’t flinch after early turnovers, trusted their league-best defense, and kept feeding Marks to take pressure off Stroud. When the fourth quarter arrived, Houston was the fresher, faster team.

That trust is built on a nine-game win streak to close the regular season. The Texans, 12-5 and the AFC South runner-up as the No. 5 seed, looked like the steadier side despite the chilly road stage. They did not chase hero plays. They waited for theirs — and then pounced.

What’s next: a trip to New England

The reward is a date with New England, owners of a 15-3 record and the No. 1 seed. It’s another tough road test, but the Texans carry the right identity into the divisional round. If the defense continues to squeeze the life out of games and the offense keeps Kirk and Marks involved, Houston will have a puncher’s chance against anyone.

The Steelers, meanwhile, enter a long offseason with big questions. The roster owns plenty of name power. But names did not beat a unit that plays as one. Until Pittsburgh finds pace and punch on offense, that playoff streak will hang overhead.

On a Monday night built for memories, the Texans made one that will live in franchise history. A first road playoff win, delivered by a defense that traveled and took over the game.