STEELERS ON 11: Steelers clinch first-round bye with win against Texans

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense registered seven total sacks in the team's Monday road win over the Houston Texans and that included cornerback Mike Hilton being responsible for three of them.

Taylor Heinicke became the fourth quarterback to play for the Houston Texans this season after replacing T.J.

Heinicke's final line: 1-of-1, 10 yards passing, two rush yards. It was a solid game for Roethlisberger without his number one receiver in Antonio Brown, and the bye will be a big help as Brown continues to get healthy.

The Texans have lost four straight games. Hopkins finished with four catches for 65 yards and a score. Yates left the game for a drive to start the second half as he was in concussion protocol, but returned to throw for 7 yards and a touchdown. Taylor Heinicke made his National Football League debut and played two series before Yates returned early in the third quarter. Yates replaced Heinicke on the next series.

It's been a roller coaster season for the Texans, but Hopkins has been a consistent bright spot with his sensational play. Texans P Shane Lechler appeared in his 285th game and passed Sean Landeta for 15th in National Football League history.

The Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers suited up for a Christmas Day game that seemed to more likely to be at Heinz Field than NRG Stadium if you were looking at the crowd inside and outside the stadium.