- J.J. Watt says he’s torn between his former team, the Houston Texans, and his brother T.J.’s Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Watt praised the Texans’ top-tier defense (Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter) and warned about Houston’s red-zone struggles.
- He credited the Steelers’ opportunistic defense (27 takeaways) as a game-changing factor.
- Watt declined to pick a winner but called the game a “toss-up” and a perfect outdoor, night-time playoff matchup.
Former Texan, current fan: Watt’s split loyalties
Former Texans star J.J. Watt — who spent a decade in Houston and called NFL games for CBS this season — admitted he’ll be conflicted watching the Wild Card between the Texans and the Steelers. On The Pat McAfee Show, Watt said he knows both teams “intimately,” thanks to his playing career and broadcast experience.
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Why Watt respects the Texans’ defense
Watt singled out Houston’s defense as a major reason the Texans are in the playoff conversation. He praised elite pass rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter and called the unit “top, top, top-tier.” That pass-rush pressure, he said, will create problems for Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Texans’ red-zone and penalty concerns
Despite the praise, Watt pointed to Houston’s offensive shortcomings — specifically red-zone inefficiency and early-season penalties. He noted the Texans have tightened up pre-snap discipline and have started to find a rhythm with C.J. Stroud and offensive coordinator Nick Caley, but red-zone execution remains a vulnerability.
Steelers’ turnover edge
On the flip side, Watt emphasized Pittsburgh’s strength in forcing turnovers. The Steelers recorded 27 takeaways during the regular season, and Watt warned that a turnover-prone game could allow Pittsburgh to “make you pay.” His brother, T.J. Watt, leads that defensive charge.
Game details
Monday night’s Wild Card game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will air on ABC and ESPN. Watt said the outdoor, cold, night-time setting adds to the drama and called the matchup a likely capper to the playoff weekend.
Watt won’t pick a side — yet
Despite his deep ties to both franchises, Watt stopped short of picking a winner, calling the matchup “such a toss-up.” He said he’s excited to watch a game that should feature strong defenses and high stakes.
Watt’s breakdown highlights a classic playoff contrast: Houston’s pressure-heavy defense versus Pittsburgh’s opportunistic turnover machine. Whether the Texans’ pass rush or the Steelers’ knack for takeaways proves decisive remains the central storyline as kickoff approaches.
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