The AFC Divisional Round continues Sunday with a high-stakes showdown between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans.
Both teams are coming off strong Wild Card performances, and the winner will advance to the AFC Championship Game, potentially hosting it if Buffalo defeats Denver. New England and Houston both surged after slow starts to the season—Patriots at 2-2 and Texans at 0-3—but now rank among the NFL’s hottest squads, losing only three combined games since early October. While the franchises share connections through coaching and front-office ties, their styles differ: the Texans boast a dominant defense, while the Patriots rely on the budding star power of quarterback Drake Maye.
Drake Maye faces his toughest test yet. After an MVP-caliber season so far, Maye rebounded from a slow start in New England’s Wild Card victory over the Chargers. Houston’s defense, ranked top three in points allowed, yards allowed, and takeaways in 2025, presents a major challenge. Against man coverage last week, Maye struggled to move the ball, completing just 1 of 7 passes for 7 yards while taking three sacks. The Patriots’ offensive line, with two rookies starting, will face Houston’s elite pass-rush trio of Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Sheldon Rankins. Maye’s mobility and the Patriots’ multi-level passing attack—including Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams deep, and Hunter Henry and Stefon Diggs in the intermediate range—will be critical against the Texans’ top-tier defense. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson add balance through the short passing game and running attack.
C.J. Stroud will look to bounce back after a turnover-plagued Wild Card win against Pittsburgh. Stroud fumbled five times, threw an interception, and showed some signs of hesitation, though Houston’s defense bailed him out. Against New England’s revitalized pass rush, which has benefited from Milton Williams’ return and strong linebacker play, Stroud must clean up his ball handling and improve chemistry with center Jake Andrews. Running back Woody Marks led Houston’s ground game against the Steelers with 112 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown, showing that the Texans can rely on their rushing attack. New England’s stout run defense, strengthened by the return of Williams and Jack Gibbens, will challenge Marks’ ability to replicate that success.
Injuries could also shape the matchup. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins each suffered concussions in last week’s Wild Card games and are questionable for Sunday. Gonzalez’s presence allows the Patriots to play more man coverage, which could alter Houston’s offensive approach. Collins’ status leaves Houston with options such as Dalton Schultz, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to step up in the passing game.
Injury Report
Texans
Denico Autry (DE, knee), Trent Brown (OT, ankle), Nico Collins (WR, concussion), and Justin Watson (WR, concussion) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Azeez Al-Shaair (LB, knee), Tytus Howard (OL, ankle), Ed Ingram (G, shoulder), Jawhar Jordan (RB, ankle), Kamari Lassiter (CB, ankle/elbow), and Sheldon Rankins (DT, elbow) all practiced with limitations. Austin Brinkman (LS), Aireontae Ersery (OT, thumb), and Jaylen Reed (S, knee) practiced fully.
Patriots
Morgan Moses (OT, knee) and Thayer Munford Jr. (OT, knee) did not practice Wednesday and had limited participation Thursday. Christian Gonzalez (CB, concussion) and Hunter Henry (TE, knee) practiced fully Thursday after limited sessions Wednesday. Anfernee Jennings (LB, knee), Terrell Jennings (RB, concussion), and Harold Landry (LB, knee) practiced with limitations, while Alex Austin (CB, wrist) participated fully.
