Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The texans vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats from the AFC Wild Card matchup tell a much deeper story than the 30-6 final score alone. Houston did not simply win because C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 passes or because Woody Marks rushed for 112 yards. The Texans controlled the game through complementary football, explosive receiving production from Christian Kirk, efficient third-down execution, pressure on Aaron Rodgers, and a fourth-quarter defensive collapse that turned a competitive game into a convincing playoff victory.

Houston entered the matchup with a 12-5 record, while Pittsburgh finished 10-7. The Steelers had home-field advantage, but Houston ultimately produced the more complete performance. The Texans finished with 21 first downs, 408 net yards according to the official NFL gamebook, 164 rushing yards, and 244 net passing yards. Pittsburgh managed only 13 first downs and 175 total net yards. The contrast became especially clear on third down, where Houston converted 10 of 15 opportunities while Pittsburgh converted just 2 of 14.

For anyone researching the texans vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, this article breaks down the quarterback numbers, rushing production, receiving performances, defensive impact, turnovers, special teams, and the statistical reasons Houston won so decisively.

Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The most important numbers from the game show that Houston won in several different areas rather than relying on one statistical advantage.

Category	Houston Texans	Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score	30	6
First Downs	21	13
Net Offensive Yards	408	175
Net Rushing Yards	164	63
Net Passing Yards	244	112
Third Down	10/15	2/14
Fourth Down	0/0	2/3
Touchdowns	4	0
Interceptions	1	1
Fumbles Lost	2	1
Time of Possession	32:22	27:38
Sacks Allowed	3	4
Field Goals	1/1	2/2

The raw numbers reveal the central theme of the game. Pittsburgh was unable to sustain drives, while Houston repeatedly found ways to stay on schedule.

The third-down difference is particularly important. Houston converted 66.7 percent of its third downs, while Pittsburgh converted only 14.3 percent. That gap allowed the Texans to extend possessions and prevented the Steelers from building offensive rhythm.

Quarter-by-quarter scoring

Houston scored only seven points through the first half and neither team scored in the third quarter. The fourth quarter, however, completely changed the game.

Quarter	Texans	Steelers
1st	0	3
2nd	7	3
3rd	0	0
4th	23	0
Final	30	6

The fourth-quarter scoring explosion is one of the defining features of this matchup.

Houston scored 23 unanswered points in the final period, including touchdowns generated by both the offense and defense. That means the final score should not be interpreted as though Houston dominated every minute equally. Instead, the Texans gradually established control before breaking the game open late.

C.J. Stroud’s Passing Performance

C.J. Stroud finished the game with:

• 21 completions
• 32 attempts
• 250 passing yards
• 7.8 yards per attempt
• 1 touchdown
• 1 interception
• 3 sacks
• 6 sack yards lost
• 62.2 QBR
• 86.7 passer rating

From a traditional box-score perspective, this was a solid but imperfect playoff performance.

Stroud did not need to produce a spectacular four-touchdown performance because Houston’s defense created an environment where a controlled passing game was enough. His 250 passing yards helped Houston maintain offensive balance, while his 7.8 yards per attempt showed that the Texans were capable of generating meaningful gains through the air.

The interception and fumbles prevent the performance from being considered flawless. Stroud was credited with five team fumbles and two lost fumbles in the supplied statistical data. That is an important reminder that quarterback evaluation cannot be based only on completion percentage and passing yards.

Why Stroud’s performance mattered

The key contribution from Stroud was his ability to keep the offense functional against a Pittsburgh defense that generated pressure.

Houston finished with 21 first downs and moved the chains consistently. Even when the passing game was not producing touchdowns, the Texans were creating enough successful plays to sustain drives.

His connection with Christian Kirk was especially important because Kirk provided the explosive receiving production that prevented Pittsburgh from focusing exclusively on Houston’s running game.

Aaron Rodgers’ Passing Numbers

Aaron Rodgers finished with:

• 17 completions
• 33 attempts
• 146 passing yards
• 4.4 yards per attempt
• 0 touchdowns
• 1 interception
• 4 sacks
• 36 sack yards lost
• 14.9 QBR
• 50.8 passer rating

Those numbers explain much of Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles.

Rodgers completed only 51.5 percent of his passes and averaged 4.4 yards per attempt. More importantly, Pittsburgh could not consistently create explosive plays or sustain drives.

DK Metcalf had some productive moments, but Pittsburgh’s passing offense never developed enough rhythm to threaten Houston consistently.

The Steelers also finished with only 112 net passing yards. That figure reflects not just passing production but the effect of Houston’s pass rush and the four sacks that removed 36 yards from Pittsburgh’s offensive output.

Mason Rudolph’s limited appearance

Mason Rudolph completed his only pass for two yards.

His statistical contribution was therefore minimal and did not materially change the offensive picture.

The game remained primarily a Rodgers-led offensive performance, and the larger issue was Pittsburgh’s inability to consistently move the ball against Houston’s defensive pressure.

Woody Marks Was a Major Factor

One of the most important individual performances came from Woody Marks.

Marks finished with:

• 19 carries
• 112 rushing yards
• 5.9 yards per carry
• 1 rushing touchdown
• 20-yard longest run

That efficiency stands out.

A 5.9-yard average across 19 carries means Houston was getting meaningful production from the ground game rather than simply using rushing attempts to kill clock.

Marks also scored Houston’s rushing touchdown, giving the Texans an important offensive answer when the game was still competitive.

His performance is especially valuable when evaluating the texans vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats because it demonstrates how Houston’s offense did not need to become one-dimensional.

Nick Chubb Added Reliable Production

Nick Chubb contributed:

• 10 carries
• 48 yards
• 4.8 yards per carry
• 9-yard longest run

Chubb did not score, but his production was useful because it gave Houston another dependable rushing option.

The combination of Marks and Chubb gave Houston 160 rushing yards from its two primary running backs in the supplied statistics. That type of production helped reduce the pressure on Stroud to win the game exclusively through passing.

Pittsburgh’s Rushing Attack Could Not Match Houston

Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with:

• 12 carries
• 43 yards
• 3.6 yards per carry
• 12-yard longest run

Kenny Gainwell added:

• 6 carries
• 20 yards
• 3.3 yards per carry
• 14-yard longest run

The Steelers therefore received limited production from their rushing attack.

Pittsburgh finished with 63 net rushing yards in the official gamebook. The team averaged only 3.5 yards per rushing play.

That made Pittsburgh’s offensive challenge even harder because Houston could focus more attention on Rodgers and the passing game without being consistently punished by the run.

Christian Kirk Delivered the Biggest Receiving Performance

Christian Kirk was arguably Houston’s most important offensive player.

His receiving line was:

• 8 receptions
• 144 yards
• 18.0 yards per reception
• 1 touchdown
• 46-yard longest reception
• 9 targets

Kirk accounted for a huge share of Houston’s receiving production.

His 144 yards were almost half of the team’s passing yardage and gave the Texans the explosive plays needed to stretch Pittsburgh’s defense.

The 46-yard reception was particularly significant because explosive gains can change field position, defensive alignment, and drive efficiency all at once.

Kirk’s performance also demonstrated why simply looking at Stroud’s passing line does not fully explain Houston’s offensive success.

Nico Collins Had a Quiet Statistical Night

Nico Collins recorded:

• 3 receptions
• 21 yards
• 7.0 yards per reception
• 7 targets
• 13-yard longest reception

Those numbers are modest compared with what Collins can normally contribute.

That makes Kirk’s performance even more important. Houston was able to remain productive despite limited statistical output from one of its major receiving threats.

This is a useful lesson when studying player statistics: team success does not always require every star player to produce a large box score.

Sometimes depth and matchup-specific contributions matter more.

Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson

Jayden Higgins recorded:

• 3 receptions
• 39 yards
• 13.0 yards per reception
• 4 targets
• 16-yard longest reception

Xavier Hutchinson added:

• 2 receptions
• 21 yards
• 10.5 yards per reception
• 4 targets
• 16-yard longest reception

These performances provided Houston with secondary receiving production behind Kirk.

Cade Stover caught two passes for 13 yards, while Dalton Schultz recorded three receptions for 12 yards.

The distribution shows that Houston did not rely exclusively on one player to move the football.

Pittsburgh’s Receiving Production

Pittsburgh’s receiving statistics were much less productive.

DK Metcalf led the Steelers with:

• 2 receptions
• 42 yards
• 21.0 yards per reception
• 25-yard longest reception
• 5 targets

Marquez Valdes-Scantling recorded three receptions for 26 yards.

Kenny Gainwell had four receptions for 26 yards, while Adam Thielen recorded two receptions for 25 yards.

Pat Freiermuth added one reception for 18 yards.

Calvin Austin III had three receptions but gained only eight yards.

The most revealing number is the lack of sustained production. Metcalf averaged 21 yards per catch, but he had only two receptions. Pittsburgh needed more consistent involvement from its passing game to overcome Houston’s defensive pressure.

Houston’s Defense Changed the Game

The defining story of the matchup was Houston’s defense.

The Texans recorded:

• 61 tackles
• 32 solo tackles
• 4 sacks
• 8 tackles for loss
• 4 passes defended
• 12 quarterback hits
• 2 defensive touchdowns
• 1 interception

Pittsburgh’s offense finished with only 175 total yards.

That is an extremely important number because it places the offensive statistics into context.

Houston did not simply score enough points to win. The defense repeatedly put Pittsburgh in difficult situations and eventually turned defensive plays directly into points.

Calen Bullock’s Pick-Six

Calen Bullock recorded one of the game’s biggest individual defensive plays.

His interception produced:

• 1 interception
• 50 return yards
• 1 defensive touchdown

A pick-six is more than a turnover.

It eliminates the opposing offense’s opportunity to score while simultaneously creating seven points for the defense’s team.

That is a massive swing in expected game position, particularly in a playoff game that remained relatively close for much of the first three quarters.

Bullock’s interception became part of Houston’s fourth-quarter defensive takeover.

Sheldon Rankins and the Defensive Touchdown

Houston’s defensive impact was not limited to the secondary.

Sheldon Rankins recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown after a strip-sack sequence involving Houston’s pass rush.

That play demonstrated how defensive pressure can produce points without requiring the offense to complete a drive.

This is one of the most important tactical takeaways from the game.

Houston’s defense did not merely stop Pittsburgh. It became an offensive weapon.

Pittsburgh’s Defense Had Individual Success

The Steelers defense recorded:

• 79 tackles
• 35 solo tackles
• 3 sacks
• 3 tackles for loss
• 6 passes defended
• 3 quarterback hits

The tackle total was higher than Houston’s, but that does not mean Pittsburgh’s defense played better.

Tackle volume can sometimes increase because the opposing offense runs more plays or because defenders are repeatedly forced to clean up plays after gains.

Houston’s defense generated more disruptive outcomes, including four sacks, 12 quarterback hits, an interception, and defensive touchdowns.

That distinction between volume statistics and impact statistics is critical when evaluating defensive performance.

Turnovers Were Important, But Not the Whole Story

Houston committed five team fumbles and lost two.

Pittsburgh committed two team fumbles and lost one.

At first glance, Houston’s turnover numbers look concerning.

However, the Texans overcame those mistakes because their defense consistently prevented Pittsburgh from converting possessions into points.

This is an important analytical point. Turnovers should never be viewed in isolation.

A team can survive mistakes when its defense dominates field position and scoring opportunities. Houston did exactly that.

Third Down Was One of the Biggest Statistical Differences

The third-down numbers may be the clearest explanation for the final result.

Houston converted 10 of 15 third downs.

That equals 66.7 percent.

Pittsburgh converted only 2 of 14.

That equals 14.3 percent.

The difference was enormous.

Houston repeatedly extended drives, while Pittsburgh repeatedly ended possessions.

Third down is especially important in playoff football because successful conversion often determines whether a team can control possession, protect its defense, and create scoring opportunities.

The Texans won that battle decisively.

Red-Zone Performance

Houston finished 2 of 3 in the red zone, producing a 66.7 percent scoring-touchdown rate from those opportunities.

Pittsburgh went 0 of 2.

That difference matters because Pittsburgh was able to reach scoring territory but could not finish those possessions with touchdowns.

Instead, the Steelers settled for two field goals.

Houston, meanwhile, eventually converted enough opportunities into touchdowns to create separation.

Special Teams Comparison

Ka’imi Fairbairn converted:

• 1 of 1 field goals
• Long of 51 yards
• 3 of 4 extra points
• 6 total points

Chris Boswell converted:

• 2 of 2 field goals
• Long of 35 yards
• 6 total points

Boswell was perfect on field goals, but Pittsburgh’s problem was that field goals were not enough.

Houston’s offensive and defensive touchdowns created a scoring ceiling that Pittsburgh could not match.

Return game

Jaylin Noel recorded:

• 3 kickoff returns
• 59 yards
• 19.7 yards per return
• 22-yard long

He also had:

• 3 punt returns
• 22 yards
• 7.3 yards per return
• 12-yard long

Pittsburgh’s Kenny Gainwell recorded:

• 4 kickoff returns
• 100 yards
• 25.0 yards per return
• 28-yard long

Calvin Austin III had one punt return for 14 yards.

Pittsburgh actually had the stronger kickoff-return average, but that advantage did not translate into offensive success.

What the Player Stats Reveal About the Game

The biggest lesson from the texans vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats is that Houston won through multiple layers.

1. Houston won the efficiency battle

The Texans converted third downs at a dramatically higher rate.

2. Houston won the yardage battle

Houston produced more than twice Pittsburgh’s net offensive yardage.

3. Houston won the rushing battle

The Texans generated 164 net rushing yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 63.

4. Houston pressured the quarterback

Four sacks and 12 quarterback hits disrupted Pittsburgh’s passing game.

5. Houston created defensive points

Two defensive touchdowns changed the scoreboard without requiring offensive drives.

6. Christian Kirk supplied explosive offense

His 144 receiving yards gave Houston a major advantage through the air.

7. Woody Marks provided balance

His 112 rushing yards and touchdown kept the offense from becoming pass-dependent.

Why Pittsburgh Struggled to Generate Offense

Pittsburgh’s offensive problems were interconnected.

First, the running game produced only 63 net yards.

Second, Rodgers averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt.

Third, Houston consistently pressured the quarterback.

Fourth, the Steelers converted only two third downs.

When all four problems occur together, offensive possessions become extremely difficult to sustain.

Pittsburgh also failed to produce a touchdown despite reaching the red zone twice.

That meant every failed drive became increasingly damaging as Houston’s defense continued to control the game.

The Fourth Quarter Changed Everything

The score after three quarters was 7-6.

At that point, the game was still within one possession.

Houston then scored 23 unanswered fourth-quarter points.

That sequence is important because it shows how quickly playoff games can change.

The Texans started the fourth quarter with a field goal to move ahead 10-6. From there, Houston added multiple touchdowns and Pittsburgh could not respond.

The defensive touchdowns were especially damaging because they removed Pittsburgh’s ability to answer with its own offensive possessions.

Comparing the Quarterbacks

Statistic	C.J. Stroud	Aaron Rodgers
Completions	21	17
Attempts	32	33
Completion Rate	65.6%	51.5%
Passing Yards	250	146
Yards/Attempt	7.8	4.4
Touchdowns	1	0
Interceptions	1	1
Sacks	3	4
QBR	62.2	14.9
Passer Rating	86.7	50.8

The table makes the contrast clear.

Stroud was not perfect, but he produced considerably more efficient passing numbers.

Rodgers struggled to create enough yardage per attempt and was under heavy pressure.

The difference was particularly clear in QBR and passer rating.

Comparing the Running Backs

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD
Woody Marks	19	112	5.9	1
Nick Chubb	10	48	4.8	0
Jaylen Warren	12	43	3.6	0
Kenny Gainwell	6	20	3.3	0

Houston had the two most productive primary rushing performances in the matchup.

Marks was the standout, but Chubb also provided strong efficiency.

Pittsburgh’s backs struggled to generate comparable production.

Comparing the Top Receivers

Player	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD
Christian Kirk	8	144	18.0	1
Jayden Higgins	3	39	13.0	0
DK Metcalf	2	42	21.0	0
Marquez Valdes-Scantling	3	26	Not supplied	0

Kirk clearly led the overall receiving production.

Metcalf had the higher yards-per-reception figure, but he did not receive enough opportunities to influence the game consistently.

That is another reason why reception volume matters alongside efficiency.

A Deeper Look at Houston’s Offensive Balance

Houston’s offense worked because it did not depend on one type of play.

The Texans combined:

• Efficient rushing
• Intermediate and explosive passing
• Third-down conversions
• Red-zone efficiency
• Time-of-possession control
• Complementary defensive scoring

That balance made it difficult for Pittsburgh to predict where the next successful play would come from.

• If Pittsburgh focused heavily on the run, Kirk could exploit coverage.
• If the Steelers tried to generate pressure on Stroud, Houston could use the running game.
• If Pittsburgh managed to move the ball, Houston’s defense could still create a turnover.

That is the definition of complementary football.

What the Game Says About Playoff Football

The matchup also provides a useful reminder about how postseason football differs from regular-season statistical evaluation.

A quarterback does not necessarily need 350 passing yards to win.

A running back does not need 150 yards.

A defense does not need to record 10 sacks.

Instead, the winning team needs enough efficiency across multiple areas to control the highest-leverage moments.

Houston did that.

The Texans were strong on third down, efficient in the run game, productive through Kirk, disruptive defensively, and explosive in the fourth quarter.

Most Important Player Performances

Based strictly on the supplied statistics and the game’s impact, these were the most important individual performances.

Christian Kirk

Kirk’s 144 receiving yards and touchdown made him Houston’s most productive offensive receiver.

Woody Marks

Marks provided 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on only 19 carries.

C.J. Stroud

Stroud delivered 250 passing yards and a touchdown while guiding an offense that consistently converted third downs.

Calen Bullock

Bullock’s 50-yard interception return for a touchdown was one of the decisive defensive moments.

Sheldon Rankins

Rankins helped turn defensive pressure into a touchdown through the fumble recovery return.

Houston’s Defensive Front

The four sacks and 12 quarterback hits illustrate the overall pressure generated against Rodgers.

What Pittsburgh Could Have Done Differently

The statistics suggest several areas where Pittsburgh needed improvement.

Sustain drives

A 2-of-14 third-down conversion rate is extremely difficult to overcome.

Create more efficient passing plays

Rodgers’ 4.4 yards per attempt was not enough to consistently move the offense.

Establish the run

The Steelers needed more than 63 net rushing yards.

Finish red-zone opportunities

Two red-zone trips without a touchdown left valuable points on the field.

Avoid defensive fatigue

As the game moved into the fourth quarter, Houston’s offense became increasingly effective while Pittsburgh’s ability to respond disappeared.

What Houston Did Best

Houston’s strongest strategic decision was maintaining balance.

The Texans did not panic when the game was tied or close.

They continued running the football, used Kirk to generate explosive receiving plays, and trusted their defense.

That patience eventually paid off.

The fourth quarter became the payoff for the work Houston had done earlier in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Texans vs Steelers?

The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the AFC Wild Card matchup.

Who was the leading receiver in the game?

Christian Kirk led all receivers with 8 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.

How many rushing yards did Woody Marks have?

Woody Marks rushed for 112 yards on 19 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with one touchdown.

How did C.J. Stroud perform?

C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also took three sacks.

How did Aaron Rodgers perform?

Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He was sacked four times and finished with a 50.8 passer rating.

Why did the Texans win?

Houston won because it combined strong rushing production, efficient third-down offense, explosive receiving from Christian Kirk, and dominant defensive pressure. The Texans also scored two defensive touchdowns and held Pittsburgh to 175 net yards.

Conclusion

The texans vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats show that Houston’s 30-6 victory was built on far more than one outstanding performance.

C.J. Stroud delivered 250 passing yards and one touchdown. Woody Marks added 112 rushing yards and a score. Christian Kirk produced 144 receiving yards and a touchdown. Those offensive contributions gave Houston enough balance to keep Pittsburgh’s defense under pressure.

But the defining advantage came from Houston’s defense.

The Texans held Pittsburgh to 175 net yards, limited the Steelers to 2-of-14 on third down, recorded four sacks, generated 12 quarterback hits, and scored twice defensively. Calen Bullock’s interception return and the defensive fumble return were particularly important because they turned stops into points.

The game also showed why box scores should be read as a connected story rather than a collection of isolated numbers. Pittsburgh had 79 total tackles and a perfect 2-of-2 field-goal performance, but those statistics could not compensate for the team’s inability to sustain drives or score touchdowns.

Houston, meanwhile, produced the type of balanced postseason performance that travels well in playoff football: efficient rushing, productive passing, strong third-down execution, defensive pressure, and timely turnovers.

For the official game center and complete NFL game information, see the NFL Texans vs. Steelers game center.