The NFL postseason elevates the game with higher stakes on the field — and one team has even upped its ante.
houston texans overcame pittsburgh steelers 30-6 To clinch the final divisional round spot. According to ESPN Research, the Steelers’ 24-point loss is their worst in a home playoff game in franchise history and the third-worst in any playoff game.
Houston’s defense allowed only 175 total yards and forced two turnovers – both of which were returned for scores. Pittsburgh forced three turnovers, but they resulted in only six points. The Steelers became the first team to score six or fewer points despite having at least three takeaways in a playoff game. tampa bay buccaneers in 1999. steelers quarterback aaron rodgers Had 146 passing yards while the Texans signal-caller CJ Stroud Had 250 passing yards.
Houston made sure to mock Pittsburgh after their win. The Texans edited the “Welcome to Pittsburgh” sign by spray-painting the final score and “Swarm City” on it – a spin on the Steel City. They also include a character from the Fallout video game series with the 713 Houston area code below.
First party quest complete. pic.twitter.com/J8Y6SliC88
– Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) 13 January 2026
Here are the top trolls of the NFL wild-card round.
san francisco 49ers upset the defending champion philadelphia eagles On the way. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the 49ers closed as a 5.5-point underdog – their third-largest upset win in a postseason game in the Super Bowl era, according to ESPN Research.
With 43 seconds left, Philadelphia faced fourth-and-11 at San Francisco’s 21-yard-line with a chance to take the lead. But the Eagles quarterback jalen hurts‘The pass was incomplete, resulting in the 49ers’ victory. san francisco quarterback brock purdy Throwed for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Hurts had 168 passing yards and one touchdown.
The 49ers earned their huge win by trolling the Eagles. He mocked Philadelphia’s “Fly Eagles Fly” chant, which also included the pronunciation of “Eagles”. San Francisco wrote “Niners” in its caption instead. It wouldn’t even be a troll without referencing the Philly cheesesteak, which the 49ers posted to emphasize that they’re “still hungry for more.”
According to ESPN Research, the Buffalo Bills held off the Jacksonville Jaguars for their first playoff road win since the 1992 AFC Championship Game.
The fourth quarter included touchdowns on each of Jacksonville and Buffalo’s first two drives – both teams had only one touchdown each before the final quarter. The Bills capped a nine-play, 66-yard drive with a 1-yard rushing score from the quarterback josh allen. The Jaguars had a chance to answer with just over a minute remaining, but quarterback trevor lawrenceThe pass was voided and Buffalo was sent to the next round.
Teammates and cornerbacks, after Jacksonville won the AFC South in Week 18 jarian jones Gave Lawrence A Grill in the Locker Room. The moment was inspired by an AI photo that someone posted on social media of Lawrence wearing a grill and a huge chain around his neck.
The Bills’ postgame graphic consisted of something resembling a grill – with “Bills Win” written on it – buried in the sand on the beach. She also shared a photo of Allen rocking shades and a chain july 2024 video And Jaguar’s post from Friday resurfaced.
😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/HRs9BVedXC
– Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) 11 January 2026
Joshua. Patrick. Alan. pic.twitter.com/OJnkr8Crqc
– Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) 11 January 2026
Right here. Now. 😉 https://t.co/ldXBMZX32G
– Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) 11 January 2026
Los Angeles Rams lasted longer than carolina panthers In a wild early playoff matchup.
Los Angeles and Carolina threw haymakers in the fourth, each scoring 14 points. The most number of lead changes in a playoff game in NFL history is four. But the Rams got the go-ahead score at quarterback Matthew Stafford tight end colby parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with 38 seconds remaining. The Panthers punted on their ensuing possession and secured the Rams victory.
A big win with many clever trolls.
Los Angeles first posted a graphic of a hook holding a football, with what appeared to be a panther and a caption referencing a sound commonly used to lure cats. Rhames then referenced a famous scene from the 1994 film “The Lion King”, when Rafiki presents a young Simba to the other animals as the future king. This time, Rafiki grabbed the Panthers logo and then threw it.
ESPN Research contributed to this report.
