The 2026 NFL Playoff Bracket is officially locked in following the Houston Texans' commanding 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. In a game defined by suffocating defense and historic milestones, the Texans secured their first road playoff win in franchise history, finalizing the schedule for a blockbuster Divisional Round weekend. Houston's triumph sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, while the Steelers face an offseason filled with questions surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future and Mike Tomlin's postseason struggles.

2026 NFL Divisional Round Schedule Finalized

With Wild Card Weekend in the books, the NFL Divisional Round schedule is set, featuring four high-stakes matchups between the league's elite. The Divisional action kicks off this Saturday, promising a weekend of intense rivalries and fresh quarterback duels.

  • AFC: (6) Buffalo Bills at (1) Denver Broncos
  • AFC: (5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots
  • NFC: (6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Seattle Seahawks
  • NFC: (5) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Chicago Bears

The headline matchup in the NFC features a renewed rivalry as the 49ers vs Seahawks divisional game takes center stage in Seattle. Meanwhile, the AFC bracket sees the Texans traveling to Foxborough to face the second-seeded Patriots, a clash that pits C.J. Stroud against fellow young star Drake Maye.

Texans Make History: Inside the 30-6 Rout

Monday night at Acrisure Stadium belonged entirely to the Houston Texans. Entering the game with an 0-6 all-time record in road playoff games, DeMeco Ryans' squad shattered that narrative with a dominant defensive performance. The Texans (13-5) held the Steelers to just 175 total yards and forced three turnovers, turning a tight 7-6 halftime lead into a blowout.

Defense Steals the Show

While quarterback C.J. Stroud managed the game effectively—throwing for 250 yards and a touchdown to Christian Kirk—it was Houston's defense that broke the game open. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins delivered the turning point early in the fourth quarter, scooping up an Aaron Rodgers fumble caused by a Will Anderson Jr. strip-sack and returning it 33 yards for a touchdown. Safety Calen Bullock put the icing on the cake late in the fourth, intercepting Rodgers and returning it 50 yards for a score to seal the NFL playoff results.

"We're here for it all," Rankins said postgame. "I won't sugarcoat it. We're here for the whole thing." Running back Woody Marks also starred for Houston, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, providing the balance needed to overcome difficult weather conditions.

Aaron Rodgers & Mike Tomlin: End of an Era?

For Pittsburgh, the loss compounds a decade of postseason frustration. The defeat extends Mike Tomlin's playoff record for consecutive losses to eight, tying him with Marvin Lewis for the longest drought in NFL history. Despite a 10-8 regular season, the Steelers looked outmatched when it mattered most, sparking renewed debates about the direction of the franchise.

Rodgers Remains Non-Committal on Retirement

All eyes are now on the 42-year-old quarterback. The Aaron Rodgers retirement speculation reached a fever pitch immediately following the final whistle. Rodgers, who struggled mightily with just 146 passing yards and two turnovers, declined to make any definitive announcements.

"I'm not going to make any emotional decisions," Rodgers told reporters, noting he would consult with his wife, Brittani, before deciding on his future. "I need to get away and have the right conversations. Every game could be my final game, but I won't decide tonight." With Rodgers on a one-year deal, his potential departure leaves the Steelers facing a massive void at quarterback heading into the 2026 offseason.

Divisional Round Preview: Texans vs Patriots

The Texans now turn their attention to New England. Early Texans vs Patriots odds are expected to favor the hosting Patriots, who enjoyed a bye week as the AFC's No. 2 seed. This matchup offers a fascinating contrast: Houston's red-hot defense, which generated a staggering -33.4 EPA against Pittsburgh, versus a Patriots offense led by the dynamic Drake Maye.

For Houston to advance to their first-ever AFC Championship Game, Stroud will need to clean up the ball security issues that plagued him against Pittsburgh (two fumbles). However, if the defense can replicate Monday night's intensity, the Texans have a legitimate path to upset the hierarchy in the 2026 NFL Playoff Bracket.