NFL roundup: Rookie Stroud takes Texans into playoffs, Steelers keep hopes alive

The Colts' hopes of reaching the post-season were dashed in the "win-and-in" clash, while Houston still has a chance to win the AFC South division title if Jacksonville loses to Tennessee on Sunday.

In last April's draft, Stroud, who was the number two overall pick, remained composed in the most important game of his professional career. He completed 20 out of 26 passes, threw for two touchdowns and 264 yards, and did not throw any interceptions.

Stroud has now become only the fifth rookie quarterback in NFL history to achieve 4,000 passing yards. Additionally, he and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans are the first rookie quarterback and coach duo to make it to the post-season since 2012.

The game remained closely contested until the end, as the Colts' final drive reached the Houston 15-yard line with 1:03 remaining. However, on fourth and one, quarterback Gardner Minshew's pass to Tyler Goodson on the left fell incomplete.

The Texans took a 14-6 lead at halftime after Stroud threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins in the first quarter and connected with Andrew Beck for a one-yard pass late in the second.

The Colts managed to tie the game when Jonathan Taylor broke free for a 49-yard rushing touchdown.

After a series of field goals, the game was tied at 17-17. Devin Singletary secured the game-winning touchdown with a clever and elusive three-yard rush with 6:20 left on the clock. However, the Texans missed the extra point, leaving the door open.

Although the Colts had been successful with their running game, they chose to pass on the crucial fourth and one play. Unfortunately, Goodson's drop, as the ball was slightly behind him, ended their hopes.

"I believe tonight we have demonstrated the capabilities of the Texans, and we will continue to do so," said Stroud.

"I have dedicated my blood, sweat, and tears to this, and it is truly gratifying to see the results of my hard work. I feel incredibly blessed," he added.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have kept their hopes of making it to the playoffs alive after defeating the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 17-10. The Ravens, who had already secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs, decided to rest their star quarterback Lamar Jackson and gave backup Tyler Huntley a rare start.

For Pittsburgh (10-7), this win means that they still have a chance to make it to the postseason, but they will need some assistance from other teams in Sunday's games. Specifically, the Steelers will advance if the Buffalo Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins or if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose or tie their game against the Tennessee Titans.

The game was played under challenging conditions due to heavy rain in Baltimore, but both teams adapted well. Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph utilized running back Najee Harris effectively, and Harris contributed with an impressive 112 yards on 26 carries. In the first quarter, Harris powered through for a six-yard rush, scoring a touchdown and giving the Steelers the lead.

In the second quarter, the Ravens (13-4) responded with Huntley connecting with tight end Isaiah Likely for a 27-yard touchdown. However, Rudolph took a more aggressive approach in the fourth quarter and threw a precise pass to Diontae Johnson, who ran for a career-high 71-yard score.

With just over three minutes remaining, Chris Boswell kicked a field goal, extending Pittsburgh's lead to 10 points. The Ravens managed to score a field goal of their own through Justin Tucker, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

Rudolph praised Johnson's performance, describing him as a great playmaker. He expressed his pride in the team's victory on the road and expressed hope for some assistance from other teams to secure their spot in the tournament.

This win marks the 10th consecutive season in which the Steelers have achieved 10 or more wins under the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin. However, there is some concern for the team as their top linebacker, T.J. Watt, had to leave the game due to a knee injury.

ESPN and the NFL Network have both confirmed that Watt has sustained an MCL ligament sprain, which has cast uncertainty on his participation in the wildcard round of the playoffs, provided that Pittsburgh qualifies.

Expressing his disappointment, Tomlin acknowledged the injury, stating, "However, football and life present us with various challenges. Therefore, we will confront this situation head-on, regardless of its nature."