Houston’s pass rush has wreaked havoc this season, helping the Texans to a 12-5 record and a third straight play-off appearance.
And they gave Rodgers a torrid time on his 23rd play-off appearance and first in four years.
The one-time Super Bowl winner failed to get the Steelers offence going, although their defence also made life difficult for Houston quarterback CJ Stroud.
They forced the game’s first three turnovers – two from Stroud fumbles, plus an interception – but the best Pittsburgh could muster on the following possessions was a solitary field goal.
That made the half-time score 7-6, with Christian Kirk having scored a touchdown for Houston, before their defensive pressure paid off in the final quarter.
Rodgers fumbled after being sacked by Will Anderson and Sheldon Rankins recovered the loose ball to score a 33-yard touchdown.
Woody Marks then got into the end zone with a 13-yard rush and four plays later Rodgers was intercepted by Calen Bullock, who returned it for a 50-yard touchdown.
