The Pittsburgh Steelers earned the right to host a home playoff game after taking down the Baltimore Ravens, 26–24, in the 2025 NFL regular season finale. It was a nail-biting showdown between the AFC North rivals, with momentum swinging back and forth deep into the fourth quarter. Ultimately, a bit of luck played a role in the outcome when Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired, a kick that would have sealed a Baltimore victory and denied Pittsburgh the division crown.
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Baltimore Ravens kicker, Tyler Loop, misses the a game-winning field goal wide right in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
Instead, the miss sent the Steelers into celebration mode as they clinched the AFC North and secured a playoff game at Acrisure Stadium. The dramatic finish only added to the intensity of a rivalry that routinely delivers high-stakes moments and reinforced the reputation of Pittsburgh as one of the NFL’s toughest places to play. With the postseason about to be underway, the Steelers will welcome the Houston Texans to the Steel City for a Monday night playoff matchup under the lights.
Despite the hype surrounding the environment, Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans appeared unfazed by the challenge. Ryans initially surprised reporters with his calm response to questions about facing the Steelers and their notoriously loud fan base. A few days later, speaking at a press conference with Houston media, he doubled down and made it clear his team will be ready for the moment and will not be impacted by the roar of Steeler Nation inside the stadium.
"Our team is ready to go anywhere, anytime, any place. We're ready to go," Ryans said while speaking to the Houston media during his press conference on Wednesday.
The Steelers enter this game as slight home underdogs, with much of the public money and perception suggesting the Texans will come out on top. However, some pundits are having a tough time counting out Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin at home on Monday night.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers throws to DK Metcalf during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
Especially with the fact that DK Metcalf is back after serving his two-game suspension. Ryans remains confident that his team can handle the challenge.
"We make sure we're prepared in all facets of the game," Ryans said. "We do our preparation. It is not just the film and the plays and what we run, but we'll do our thing when it comes to preparing for the weather, for the field, all those things. Our equipment staff is well-versed in those areas to get us everything that we need to be ready to go."
The Texans insist they are not worried about the weather, but it looms as a very real concern in Pittsburgh. Monday night is expected to bring partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the low 30s, and biting wind chills that make it feel closer to the mid-20s.
Steelers Gain Extra Edge Against The Houston Texans
No snow or rain is forecasted, yet the cold and wind could still shape the game. Southwest winds around 10 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 21 to 23 mph, will challenge passing, kicking, and ball security throughout the night for both teams involved on Monday. However, the Texans face the greater disadvantage.
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Texans QB CJ Stroud celebrates after throwing a big time touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his rookie season.
The broader concern comes from history, not bravado. Teams from warm climates or domes have struggled in cold road playoff games, with one pundit noting dome teams are just 1-14 below 40 degrees over the past decade. That narrative now follows Houston into Pittsburgh this week.
All eyes are on Tomlin as he is hopeful to finally end his playoff drought. Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Many Steelers fans are wondering if now is the time he gets over that hump. Steelers fans will get an answer on Monday night.
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