The Houston Texans may be a better football team than the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially on defense. However, the Steelers still have several key advantages heading into their Wild Card Round battle with the Texans on Monday.
For one, Pittsburgh has home-field advantage with the game taking place at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers have won four of their last five games there and the crowd will be on their side.
Pittsburgh is also expected to get favorable weather conditions for the game. Monday’s high is forecasted at 36, with temperatures expected to be lower than that by game time.
That’s good news for the Steelers. Not only are they a cold-weather team, but Aaron Rodgers also thrives in it.
Houston plays in a dome, putting the Texans at a disadvantage. Over the last 10 years, dome teams are 1-14 in the playoffs when playing on the road below 40 degrees.
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That may not apply to the Texans, however, who have won four straight road games and their last nine overall. Their defense is statistically one of the best in the league, and it travels well.
Pittsburgh is a difficult place to kick, too, which could be a factor, especially if this game is close and gets decided by a field goal. Kai’mi Fairbairn is one of the best kickers in the NFL, but everyone knows what happened to Tyler Loop last week.
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The Steelers need every edge they can get if they want to upset Houston, including the weather.
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Featured image via Barry Reeger/Imagn Images