Texans stifle Rodgers to knock Steelers out of play-offs

The Houston Texans produced a defensive masterclass to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 and book the final spot in the Divisional Round of the NFL play-offs.

The final Wildcard Weekend game on Monday was expected to be a low-scoring affair and so it proved for three quarters, with Houston leading 7-6.

Then the Texans charged clear with three touchdowns in the final quarter – two of them scored by their league-leading defence.

That made for a dismal end for Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers in what could be the last game in the 42-year-old’s illustrious career.

After joining the Steelers on a one-year deal, the NFL’s four-time Most Valuable Player has said this could be his final season.

And Pittsburgh are now out of the play-offs with Houston, the fifth seed in the AFC, securing a trip to the New England Patriots next Sunday.

Houston’s pass rush has wreaked havoc this season, helping the Texans to a 12-5 record and a third straight play-off appearance.

And they gave Rodgers a torrid time on his 23rd play-off appearance and first in four years.

The one-time Super Bowl winner failed to get the Steelers offence going, although their defence also made life difficult for Houston quarterback CJ Stroud.

They forced the game’s first three turnovers – two from Stroud fumbles, plus an interception – but the best Pittsburgh could muster on the following possessions was a solitary field goal.

That made the half-time score 7-6, with Christian Kirk having scored a touchdown for Houston, before their defensive pressure paid off in the final quarter.

Rodgers fumbled after being sacked by Will Anderson and Sheldon Rankins recovered the loose ball to score a 33-yard touchdown.

Woody Marks then got into the end zone with a 13-yard rush and four plays later Rodgers was intercepted by Calen Bullock, who returned it for a 50-yard touchdown.

Kick-off times GMT; Conference seed in brackets

Saturday, 17 January

Buffalo Bills (6) @ Denver Broncos (1) 21:30

San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Seattle Seahawks (1) 01:00 (Sun)

Sunday, 18 January

Houston Texans (5) @ New England Patriots (2) 20:00

Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Chicago Bears (2) 23:30