It was a wild weekend of NFL football, the kind that reminds you why January hits differently. Upsets flirted with reality, defenses dictated terms, and young quarterbacks announced themselves on the biggest stage. Still, while the league spun into chaos, Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers had tunnel vision. Monday night in Houston is the only thing that matters.
A primetime showdown against C.J. Stroud and the Texans stands as the final gatekeeper between Pittsburgh and something bigger. Win, and the Steelers extend their season. Win, and a familiar name waits on the other side of the bracket.
New England.
The Patriots’ path to the Divisional Round wasn’t flashy. In fact, it was borderline forgettable. A 16–3 slog against the Los Angeles Chargers lingered deep into the fourth quarter, the kind of game only playoff football can produce. But beneath the vanilla box score was a moment that mattered. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye — already an MVP candidate — delivered when it was required.
In his first playoff start, Maye steadied the offense, piled up yardage, and tossed the touchdown that finally broke the stalemate. He finished with 268 yards passing, accompanied by a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked five times.
He did what playoff quarterbacks do. They survive the ugly parts.
And that’s exactly why I don’t hate this matchup for Pittsburgh — assuming, of course, the Steelers handle business Monday night.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face a familiar opponent with a Wild Card win
If the Steelers arrive in Foxborough riding a hot streak, there’s reason for confidence. A 21–14 Week 3 victory over New England still lingers as a reference point, even if it can’t be leaned on too heavily. That afternoon belonged to Pittsburgh’s defense. Five forced turnovers silenced the early-season hype surrounding Maye and reminded everyone that the Steelers can still dictate games when they smell blood.
But January is different. Young quarterbacks grow fast, and Drake Maye is no longer the wide-eyed youngster Pittsburgh saw in September. New England’s offense has evolved, and its confidence has grown with each meaningful snap. The Patriots won’t beat themselves now — and that changes the math.
Still, this feels like a matchup that fits the Steelers’ DNA. Physical defense. Controlled pace. Make the opponent earn every inch. If Pittsburgh can travel to New England with momentum, the psychological edge matters just as much as the tactical one. Tomlin-coached teams have always thrived when the national narrative leans the other way.
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But none of that matters if Houston ends the conversation early.
The Texans are fast, fearless, and led by edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Monday night is the real test. It’s the proving ground. Talk of Patriots, revenge, or playoff paths is meaningless unless Pittsburgh survives the first fight.
Take care of Houston, and the season lives another week.
And if that next chapter happens to be written in Foxborough, the Steelers won’t be intimidated. They’ve been here before.