Steelers vs Texans: How to watch NFL Wild Card game online for free, TV channel and start time

The NFL Wild Card round reaches its dramatic conclusion as Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers host the red-hot Houston Texans for a high-stakes Monday Night Football clash at Acrisure Stadium. Here, GOAL will equip you with all the essential broadcast information, kickoff times, and key stats for the Monday Night showdown.

How to watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs Houston Texans online - TV channels & live streams

	USA	ESPN
	Worldwide	NFL Game Pass

In the United States, the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC. Broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call from Acrisure Stadium.

How to watch and live stream Steelers vs Texans for free

For cord-cutters, the best way to watch the game for free is by signing up for a trial with a live TV streaming service. Fubo and DirecTV Stream both offer 5-day free trials which include access to both ESPN and ABC, allowing you to watch the Wild Card finale without paying a subscription fee up front. YouTube TV also frequently offer free trials for new subscribers.

If you already a subscriber to ESPN Unlimited, the game will also be simulcast live on the platform.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

What time does the Steelers vs Texans game start?

Here is the start times for the game all around the world:

Country	Start Time	Date
USA / Canada	8.15pm (ET) / 5.15pm (PT)	Monday Jan 12
United Kingdom / Ireland	1.15am (GMT)	Tuesday Jan 13
South Africa	3.15am (SAST)	Tuesday Jan 13
Saudi Arabia	4.15am (AST)	Tuesday Jan 13
Dubai / UAE	5.15am (GST)	Tuesday Jan 13
India	6.15am (IST)	Tuesday Jan 13
Malaysia	9.15am (MYT)	Tuesday Jan 13
Australia	12.15pm (AEDT)	Tuesday Jan 13

Projected Starting Lineups

Pittsburgh Steelers Projected Starters

• QB: Aaron Rodgers
• RB: Jaylen Warren
• WR: DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Roman Wilson
• TE: Pat Freiermuth
• OL: Broderick Jones, Isaac Suemalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu
• Key Defense: T.J. Wat, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen

Houston Texans Projected Starters

• QB: C.J. Stroud
• RB: Nick Chubb
• WR: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs
• TE: Dalton Schultz
• OL: Laramy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, Shaq Mason, Tytus Howard
• Key Defense: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre

Pittsburgh Steelers Team News

Getty Images

The headline news for Pittsburgh is the return of star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who has finished his two-game suspension following an altercation in Detroit. His availability gives Aaron Rodgers his primary deep threat back just in time to face the league's top-ranked defense.

Defensively, T.J. Watt is officially active and expected to play without limitations. The All-Pro edge rusher returned in Week 18 from a partial lung collapse and has logged a full week of practice. 

• Aaron Rodgers (QB): Active (Left Wrist - Full Practice)
• Jaylen Warren (RB): Active (Recovered from illness)
• Isaiahh Loudermilk (DT): OUT (Ankle)

Houston Texans Team News

Getty Images

The Texans enter the playoffs as the hottest team in football, riding a nine-game winning streak, but they will be without rookie running back Jawhar Jordan (ankle). In his absence, expect a heavy workload for veteran Nick Chubb, who knows the Steelers' defense well from his Cleveland days, and rookie Woody Marks.

Defensively, the "SWARM" unit is mostly healthy, led by the pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks this season.

• Jawhar Jordan (RB): OUT (Ankle)
• Ajani Carter (CB): OUT (Hamstring)
• Davis Mills (QB): Questionable (Personal)

Form

The Steelers (10-7) secured the AFC North title and home-field advantage with a gritty Week 18 victory over the Ravens, but their path to the postseason was anything but smooth. While they have won four of their last five games, the offense has struggled for consistency, failing to score more than 20 points in three of their last seven outings. They will be relying heavily on their 6-3 home record at Acrisure Stadium.

• Home Record: 6-3
• Key Stat: The Steelers defense allowed just 113 rushing yards per game this season (13th in NFL), a number they must replicate to stop the Texans' ground attack.

Houston (12-5) enters the playoffs as the hottest team in the NFL. After a shaky start to the season, C.J. Stroud and company have rattled off nine consecutive victories, including impressive road wins against the Chiefs and Chargers. Their defense has been the catalyst, forcing a league-high turnover differential (+17) during this winning streak.

• Away Record: 5-3
• Key Stat: Houston is 11-0 this season when scoring 20+ points

Head-to-Head Record

While the Steelers historically dominate this fixture, the Texans won the most recent meeting decisively in 2023. This is the first-ever postseason meeting between the two franchises. 

• All-Time Series: Steelers lead 5-3
• Last Meeting: Texans won 30-6 (Oct 1, 2023)
• Playoff History: 0 meetings (First matchup)