Ben Roethlisberger Makes Case for Steelers in Tough Texans Matchup

Ben Roethlisberger, who won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, believes that the Steelers defense is strong enough to stop the Texans offense in the upcoming wildcard game.

Ben Roethlisberger Makes Case for Steelers in Tough Texans Matchup

CJ Stroud, Jalen Ramsey and Ben Roethlisberger inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

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If Aaron Rodgers hopes the wildcard clash with the Houston Texans isn’t his last NFL game, he and the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to overcome the Texans, who are being favored by three points. Ben Roethlisberger has complete faith in his former team to prove the narrative wrong and win against the Texans.

The Steelers came very close to missing the playoffs. Heroics from Rodgers and a missed field goal from the Baltimore Ravens kicker helped the Steelers prolong the season. Meanwhile, the Texans needed a helping hand from the Indianapolis Colts in their run into the wild card. After starting 8-1, the Colts stumbled, and the Texans took advantage of their rivals’ misfortune to secure second place in the AFC South, just behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.

These results set up a big showdown between the Steelers and Texans. According to the latest Vegas odds, CJ Stroud and the Texans are the favorites to defeat the AFC North champions and move ahead into the divisional playoff game. Still, Roethlisberger remains confident in his former team, thanks to the Steelers’ rock-solid defense.

The reason that I’m leaning heavily toward the Steelers winning this game [against the Texans] is that I trust our defense against their offense. They’ve got some players. [C.J.] Stroud is a good player, he’s a good athlete, he can throw the ball.

Ben Roethlisberger said in a recent segment of his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast

Stroud missed a few games due to injury. He made a total of 14 appearances, threw 273 completions for 3041 yards, 20 total touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Aside from Stroud, wide receiver Nico Collins had another solid year. Collins caught 71 receptions, 1117 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. Running back Woody Marks made a strong case for himself to win the offensive Rookie of the Year award by racking up 912 all-purpose yards and 6 total touchdowns.

Despite the firepower, Big Ben claimed that the Steelers’ defense, led by Jalen Ramsey, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr., TJ Watt, and Alex Highsmith, can cover the Texans’ offense without facing much trouble.

I think our defense can get after it. Now, the [Steelers] defense, they’re not gonna be able to get by by not having a good day. The Texans aren’t gonna roll over on ’em. But I like the matchup with our defense against their offense.

Ben Roethlisberger said

The Steelers have the seventh-worst defense (gave up 356.9 yards per game and conceded 42 touchdowns). Then again, the Steelers rank seventh in red zone defense (allowed conversion on 50.9% times) and conceded 22.8 points on average through 17 games in 2025.

Ben Roethlisberger wants TJ Watt to get his first playoff win

Watt is among the premier pass rushers in football. He has racked up 115 sacks, 136 tackles for loss, 36 forced fumbles, and 9 interceptions since entering the NFL. Despite missing the backend of the year due to a collapsed lung, Watt still finished with 7 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.

Ben Roethlisberger Makes Case for Steelers in Tough Texans Matchup
TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

The Steelers have qualified playoffs every year during Watt’s tenure. However, a playoff win has eluded the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. The last Steelers victory in the postseason came when Roethlisberger was still the quarterback, a division round win over the Chiefs in 2016.

Watt may never have a better shot at finally tasting playoff success, with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers leading the way on Monday night at the Steelers’ home turf, Acrisure Stadium.

It will be Rodgers’ first playoff appearance since losing to the 49ers in the 2021 divisional round as the Packers quarterback. The 42-year-old, who may be playing his final season of football, is looking forward to helping the Lombardi Trophy return to Pittsburgh.

I care about winning, that’s why I’m here [in Pittsburgh] that’s why I love the Monday to Saturday grind. Stats are what they are; the trends are what they are. Any trend is always meant to be broken.

Rodgers said via the Steelers insider Matthew Luciow

Rodgers has a jaw-dropping 11-2 record in the last 13 games (including one with the Steelers against the Dolphins) in the league. So, the Texans may have the upper hand, but the Steelers are bound to give 200% on their own turf.

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