Steelers vs. Texans: How to watch and what to watch in Week 1 preseason matchup (2024)

If we’ve learned anything this offseason it’s that GM Omar Khan is not afraid to shake things up. He’s completely pivoted at the quarterback position, signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. There’s a new offensive coordinator in town, as former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith is manning the play-call sheet. He also drafted two offensive linemen who should be starters sooner rather than later.

But the offseason is just about over. Fortunately for us, it’s officially time to see how it all plays out between the lines.

Here are a few important bullet points to keep in mind when tuning into the black and gold’s debut against the Houston Texans this week.

1. Don’t overreact to how the quarterbacks play this preseason

Head Coach Mike Tomlin had this to say when it comes to what we should expect from the quarterbacks on Friday:

Fields has received glowing reviews out of training camp, and it finally feels like he might be putting things together. Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans announced that his starters will play, which means we will get a chance to see Fields against legitimate competition. But I kindly ask that if he plays well, that we pump the brakes a little bit.

Last year Steelers starting QB Kenny Pickett had a perfect preseason. The former first-round pick had most of us thinking he was primed for a huge second-year leap. He completed 13-of-15 passes for 199 yards to finish with a 158.3 quarterback rating.

Pickett is now battling for the backup quarterback job in Philadelphia.

If Fields balls out it’s a great sign. But it won’t necessarily mean a breakthrough is coming.

The same could be said for many players who will suit up.

2. Performances do matter for players on the roster bubble

Pittsburgh released its initial depth chart this week, and there were a few surprises. UDFA DB Beanie Bishop was listed as the team’s starting nickel. I’d imagine that will be fluid based on how he plays, although I can’t imagine he’s in danger of making the team.

I’ll be watching the wide receivers. Yes, I’ve somehow gone a few paragraphs without mentioning the name Brandon Aiyuk. But as things currently stand, things are murky at that position.

Likely, one of Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller, and/or Dez Fitzpatrick will make the 52-man roster, so keep an eye on how they look. They aren’t just playing for a job, but potentially a role on offense in a thin room.

3. What will the new offense look like?

This will be Arthur Smith’s first dress rehearsal as the OC in the Steel City. Smith has always had a run-based offense supplemented by play-action, and I’d anticipate him shaking off the rust and utilizing the running backs that suit up (Jaylen Warren? Jonathan Ward?) to facilitate the shift.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Smith won’t be showcasing his entire bag of tricks. Showing opponents your hand is not always a good idea in the NFL’s world of chess. I’m excited to see how he utilizes swiss-army knife QB John Rhys-Plumlee, who should receive a ton of snaps, potentially lining up all over the field.

4. Revenge on the Texans?

Ok, I’m kidding here. But last season the Texans walloped the Steelers, 30-6. QB CJ Stroud threw for 302 yards and 2 TDs in what was a non-competitive game. Houston added the likes of WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon, and DL-men Danielle Hunter and DeMeco Autry - all players who have a history of elite level production in this league.

Who knows how long those guys will play, but the point is that if the Steelers want to be competitive in the AFC - the Texans are going to be one of the teams standing in their way.

Let’s see how they stack up.

Here’s all you need to know on how to watch the Steelers vs. Texans in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason.

How to watch Steelers vs. Texans

Date: Friday, August 9

Game time: 7 p.m. ET

TV channel: NFL Network

Live stream: NFL app, either with a cable log-in or NFL+ subscription

DraftKings odds: Steelers -1, O/U 37.5

In the Steelers local market, the Steelers-Texans game will air on KDKA.

Those who are watching the game on NFL Network have two options to tune in, either using a cable log-in or equivalent or an NFL+ subscription. An NFL+ subscription, which allows users to watch live local and primetime games in the regular and postseasons, with additional access to watch NFL Network, is available for $6.99 per month or $49.99 annually.