The Week 5 Game of the Week features two franchises desperate for a breakthrough as the Houston Texans travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, with both teams entering the matchup at 0–4. Someone will walk away with their first win of the season — and the tone for the rest of their campaign may depend on it.
Offensive Overview: Both Teams Searching for Rhythm
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers enter the contest averaging 282 total yards per game, with a clear bias toward aerial production. Pittsburgh throws for 235 yards per game, while the run game has struggled mightily at just 46 rushing yards per outing.
Running back Darrynton Evans leads the backfield with 45 yards on 12 attempts, but the team desperately needs more balance to avoid overexposing their passing attack.
Through the air, Nico Collins has been Pittsburgh’s top weapon, hauling in 5 receptions for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving he can be a legitimate game-breaker when given opportunities.
Houston Texans
Houston’s offense has been slightly less productive overall, averaging 268 yards per game — but the dynamics are similar to Pittsburgh: heavy passing reliance, inconsistent ground support.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has had explosive moments, including performances of
316 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, and 289 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
His yardage and touchdown production show star potential, but turnovers have repeatedly halted potential scoring drives.
Houston’s rushing attack finds more efficiency than Pittsburgh’s, thanks to Jeremiyah Love, who has posted 81 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. If the Texans commit to the ground game early, it may relieve pressure on Stroud.
In the receiving corps, Tank Dell continues to be Stroud’s go-to playmaker, delivering a monster outing with 6 receptions for 197 yards and 2 TDs — the type of performance that can swing this matchup single-handedly.
Defense: Playmakers on Both Sides
Pittsburgh Defense
Anchored by veteran leadership and young talent, the Steelers’ defense features key contributors such as:
Jalen Ramsey: 7 tackles, 1 interception Kelvin Joseph: 6 tackles
Ramsey’s presence alone alters opposing game plans, and his matchup against Houston’s wideouts — particularly Tank Dell — will be a crucial storyline.
Houston Defense
The Texans’ unit has been slightly better at generating pressure, with:
Will Anderson Jr.: 2 sacks Patrick Queen: 1 sack
If Anderson and Queen can force Stroud into manageable situations and disrupt timing, it will go a long way toward flipping the turnover battle.
Turnovers: The Deciding Factor
Both teams have been plagued by giveaways:
Pittsburgh: 3 turnovers per game Houston: 4 turnovers per game
With both offenses capable of explosive plays but equally prone to mistakes, the team that protects the ball better will almost certainly control the momentum.
Key Matchups to Watch
C.J. Stroud vs. Steelers Secondary
Ramsey’s ability to limit big plays will test Houston’s offensive identity.
Tank Dell vs. Kelvin Joseph & Company
Dell is coming off a historic performance — but can he do it against a higher-caliber secondary?
Pittsburgh Run Game vs. Texans Front Seven
If Pittsburgh can’t generate any push, they risk being one-dimensional again.
Jeremiyah Love vs. Steelers Linebackers
Love’s efficiency stands out — this matchup could tilt the balance early.
Final Outlook
Two teams with identical records and similar offensive profiles collide in a game that feels much bigger than Week 5. Houston brings more explosiveness, but also more turnover volatility. Pittsburgh meanwhile has strong perimeter weapons and a veteran defensive presence that can shift the game at any moment.
I’m Whichever team establishes balance, protects the football, and capitalizes on turnovers will finally break into the win column.
The game kicks off at 6pm PST, tune in live via our twitch