In a playful showdown ahead of the pivotal Wild Card game between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers, J.J. Watt shared a light-hearted moment with his brother, T.J. Watt. As the Texans prepared for the matchup, they released a thrilling playoff hype video narrated by J.J., which he made sure T.J. was aware of, even though the Steelers linebacker is not an active social media user.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, J.J. recounted how he reached out to T.J. right after the playoff matchup was announced, humorously noting, “I text him, I said, ‘Hey, I just want you to know this video is filmed last week.’”
The Texans have enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing with 12 wins and securing a playoff spot largely due to a stellar defense. The unit, which ranks first in the NFL for yards allowed and leads the AFC in scoring, features standout players including All-Pros Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson in the pass rush, alongside Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair at linebacker, and a formidable secondary led by first-team All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
On the other side, the Steelers aim to challenge these defensive strengths with a multifaceted offensive strategy. They are set to rely on the skills of running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, bolstered by an improving offensive line. The return of receiver DK Metcalf and the veteran presence of Aaron Rodgers will be crucial as they navigate the Texans’ tough defense.
T.J. Watt, returning from a serious lung injury that sidelined him for three games, is looking to make a significant impact. He performed well in Week 18, playing over 80 percent of the snaps and feeling great afterward, as confirmed by J.J. “He is doing great. He feels great,” J.J. stated, reflecting his brother’s readiness for the challenge ahead.
Notably, the health struggles of both brothers have been in the spotlight, with T.J. recently dealing with a collapsed lung that required a drainage tube post-surgery. Medical expert Dr. Melanie Friedlander clarified the procedure, highlighting the need for a chest tube to keep the lung expanded.
As the Steelers look to improve their chances, the importance of capitalizing on turnover opportunities cannot be overstated. Houston has been exceptionally disciplined with the ball this season, experiencing only 12 turnovers throughout the year and just three in the last eight games. For Pittsburgh to emerge victorious, they must excel in the turnover battle and contain Houston’s defensive prowess to prevent further highlights that fuel the Texans’ hype videos. This matchup promises to be an intense clash of talent as both teams aim for playoff glory.