The NFL Wild Card round is set for an exciting conclusion as the Houston Texans clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. The playoff matchup promises high stakes for both teams as they vie for a chance to progress further in the postseason.
Texans vs. Steelers: Game Overview
The showdown between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers takes place tonight, January 12, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. EST. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams aim to prove their strength in this critical AFC matchup.
- Teams: Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: January 12, 2026
- Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. EST
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
- Spread: Texans -3 (+100) | Steelers +3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Texans -155 | Steelers +138
- Total: Over/Under 38.5
Nico Collins Set for First Touchdown
In the realm of player props, Nico Collins stands out as a significant player’s option to score the game’s first touchdown at enticing odds of +600. Collins, the Texans’ leading wide receiver, has been a critical component of their offense throughout the season.
- Target Share: 24.8%
- Red-Zone Targets: 15 (converted 5 into touchdowns)
- Touchdowns: 10 during the regular season
- Last Five Games: Scored three touchdowns, including a pivotal score in the season finale.
His effectiveness in red-zone situations has made him a reliable target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
Pittsburgh’s Defensive Challenges
The Steelers’ secondary has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against dominant receivers. Pittsburgh has allowed an average of 1.2 passing touchdowns per game this season, which highlights the potential for Collins to exploit any mismatches during the game.
Betting Insights and Predictions
Dimers’ predictive model has calculated a win probability of 63% for the Texans, while the Steelers hold a 37% chance. After conducting 10,000 simulations, the projected final score suggests a narrow victory for Houston at 20-17.
With Houston favored to dominate the tempo, betting on Collins to score first presents an attractive opportunity for prop bettors. Expect Stroud to seek out Collins frequently, especially against a Steelers defense likely focused on thwarting the running game.
For fans and bettors alike, this Wild Card matchup is poised to deliver drama and excitement as the Texans and Steelers face off in a quest for playoff advancement.
