FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, Marcus Jones returned one of C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions for a score and the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 on Sunday to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in seven years.
In Mike Vrabel’s first season as coach, the Patriots will make their 16th conference championship game appearance and first since their run to their sixth Super Bowl title under Bill Belichick in the 2018 season. New England has won its last nine divisional round games.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws in the first quarter in an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Maye finished 16 of 27 for 179 yards, but had an interception and fumbled four times, losing two in cold conditions in which snow and rain fell throughout the game.
One of Maye’s fumbles set up Houston’s first touchdown.
Carlton Davis III had two interceptions for New England. Craig Woodson added an interception and fumble recovery.
Carlton Davis III #7 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026. Getty Images
K’lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots sacks C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026. Getty Images
The eight combined turnovers — Woody Marks also lost a fumble for Houston — were the most in a playoff game since 2015, when the Cardinals and Panthers combined for eight in the NFC championship game.
The Texans have lost in the divisional round in three straight seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans. The franchise is now 0-7 all-time in this round.