Texans vs Steelers Monday Night Wild Card - Can Houston Break Road Curse?

Historic Streaks on the Line

Monday Night Football closes Wild Card Weekend with a fascinating clash of struggling playoff narratives. The Houston Texans are 0-5 all-time on the road in the postseason, while the Pittsburgh Steelers have dropped six consecutive playoff games.

Houston's Elite Defense

The Texans enter as 3-point road favorites, which speaks to their dominant play down the stretch. Houston owns the NFL's top defense, allowing the fewest points and yards per game this season. They've won nine straight games heading into the playoffs.

C.J. Stroud has found his form at the perfect time, though he's 0-2 on the road in playoff games with zero touchdowns in those losses.

Aaron Rodgers' Last Stand?

At 42 years old, this could be Aaron Rodgers' final playoff run. The veteran found his way to Pittsburgh mid-season and helped the Steelers clinch the AFC North with a Week 18 win over Baltimore. But Rodgers will face a defense that allowed just 30 points once all season.

"I can't believe Aaron Rodgers found a way in the playoffs yet again," said one NFL analyst. "I have to think this is it for him either way."

The Betting Angle

Despite Houston's road playoff woes, the Steelers' recent postseason struggles are equally concerning. Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while Houston has failed to cover in two of their last three.

Our model likes the Steelers +3 to keep this close, with the Under hitting in over 50% of simulations.

Our Pick: Steelers +3, Under 39.5