Ben Volin | Instant Analysis<\/p>\n
Instant analysis: Defense makes another statement \u2014 6:45 p.m.![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/KOG7XVGVM25OWIQ4VGUSDQVIAA.JPG\")
Christian Gonzalez (left) celebrates forcing the Texans’ Woody Marks to fumble in the third quarter.Barry Chin\/Globe Staff<\/p>\n
The Patriots heard all week in the media about the greatness of the Texans\u2019 No. 1-ranked defense and how it would be their toughest challenge of the season. The Patriots\u2019 defense had a statement of its own to make Sunday.<\/p>\n
The Patriots did indeed struggle on offense, and Drake Maye had his sloppiest performance of the season in a swirling snow globe at Gillette Stadium. But for the second week in a row, the Patriots\u2019 defense took the reins and dominated the opposition, forcing five Texans turnovers and leading the way to victory in the Patriots\u2019 first divisional-round win in seven years.<\/p>\n
The Texans\u2019 offense certainly deserves a lot of the blame for not handling the snowy conditions well. And the Texans were a battered unit, playing without leading receiver Nico Collins or right tackle Trent Brown, and losing tight end Dalton Schultz early in the game.<\/p>\n
But the Patriots\u2019 defense carried the day.<\/p>\n
READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n See the key plays from the game \u2014 6:35 p.m.<\/p>\n Some highlight-reel clips from Sunday\u2019s game:<\/p>\n Demario Douglas scores first touchdown of the game on 28-yard pass from Drake Maye:<\/p>\n Carlton Davis intercepts C.J. Stroud\u2019s pass in first quarter:<\/p>\n Marcus Jones intercepts Stroud pass, returns it 26 yards for touchdown in second quarter:<\/p>\n Craig Woodson intercepts Stroud pass intended for Xavier Hutchinson in second quarter:<\/p>\n Maye finds Stefon Diggs for seven-yard touchdown pass in second quarter: <\/p>\n Davis intercepts Stroud again in second quarter:<\/p>\n Christian Gonzalez strips ball from Texans\u2019 Woody Marks; Woodson recovers:<\/p>\n Maye finds Kayshon Boutte with 32-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter:<\/p>\n Drake Maye: Defense \u2018played a hell of a game\u2019 \u2014 6:25 p.m.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what Drake Maye told ESPN immediately after the final whistle …<\/p>\n On the win: \u201cYeah, just proud of the guys. Battled the elements, this is New England. This is what we try to embrace, wanted to embrace all season long. Props to our defense, they played a hell of a game, got to protect the football better, but we made enough plays to win it.\u201d<\/p>\n On overcoming the turnovers: \u201cIt\u2019s easier when you\u2019re still winning. That\u2019s what I kept reminding the guys, we\u2019re ahead on the scoreboard, and that\u2019s what matters. We made enough plays to come up with the win, and the defense kept on playing, helped us out a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n On the Patriots\u2019 defense: \u201cThey bring it every week. They\u2019re great up front, they\u2019re great in the back end, great linebacker play. It\u2019s fun to watch, and we can help them out some more, but just proud of the guys. Enjoy this one, and we\u2019re back on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n On how he reflects on the quick success, reaching the AFC championship: \u201cIt means we\u2019re winning, that\u2019s what matters. Haven\u2019t had a lot of time to reflect on it \u2014 we\u2019re on the go. We keep going, and I\u2019m proud of these guys. It\u2019s fun in here, the atmosphere was great, hate that we\u2019re not playing back here, but, look, we\u2019re on the road, and we\u2019ve got a big one.”<\/p>\n Historic showing by this defense in the playoffs \u2014 6:20 p.m.<\/p>\n In their first two games of these playoffs, the Patriots have allowed a total of 448 yards to the Chargers and Texans. <\/p>\n It\u2019s the second-fewest yards allowed by the Patriots over a two-game playoff span, trailing only a 441-yard allowance in the wild card and divisional rounds of the 1997-98 playoffs. It\u2019s just the 14th time since the 2000 season that a team has allowed that few yards over a two-game playoff span. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Patriots win \u2014 6:18 p.m. With one final stop, the Patriots are headed to the AFC Championship game. Robert Spillane broke up a pass deep down the field, and New England can kneel down a 28-16 win that sends the Patriots to Denver for next Sunday\u2019s title game at 3 p.m. <\/p>\n Carlton Davis downgraded to out \u2014 6:12 p.m.<\/p>\n We\u2019re at the two-minute warning.<\/p>\n Patriots get a stop \u2014 6:07 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots defense comes up with one more stop, as C.J. Stroud is sacked on third down and the Texans opt to punt despite a 12-point deficit with just over four minutes to go. New England just needs a couple first downs to put this game away and punch a ticket to the AFC Championship game. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Patriots burn some clock, punt it away \u2014 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots turn to some smashmouth football, keeping it on the ground \u2014 particularly in running Rhamondre Stevenson behind the right side of the line \u2014 for much of that drive. It doesn\u2019t result in any points, as Bryce Baringer comes out to punt, but New England managed to run more than six minutes off the clock \u2014 the Patriots lead, 28-16, with just under six minutes to play. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n What made the Boutte TD so impressive? \u2014 5:58 p.m.<\/p>\n The remarkable Boutte touchdown catch was made even more impressive by who it came against: Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley had allowed just 3 touchdown catches all season (with four interceptions) entering today.<\/p>\n One more note on the Boutte touchdown: Opponents had been 2 for 12 (with one touchdown) with Stingley defending on pass attempts of at least 20 air yards entering this week. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Maye finds Boutte for the TD \u2014 5:42 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots\u2019 offense springs back to life at the right time, as Drake Maye connects on a deep ball to Kayshon Boutte for a 32-yard touchdown. It was a good throw and a better catch, as Boutte used one hand to snatch it over his shoulder and give the Patriots a 28-16 lead early in the fourth quarter. New England moved the chains on that drive for the first time since the second quarter, having failed to pick up a first down on four straight possessions. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Patriots 21, Texans 16 | End of 3Q<\/p>\n Patriots have a five-point lead after three quarters \u2014 5:36 p.m.<\/p>\n At the end of the third quarter, the Patriots lead the Texans, 21-16. This game has stayed sloppy as the snow continues to fall in Foxborough, where Houston has outgained New England, 211-155. <\/p>\n The Patriots are still clinging to a 5-point lead thanks to five takeaways from the defense but will need a little more from the offense to close this out \u2014 New England has a chance to extend its lead early in the fourth as the hosts will face second and 10 from its own 43-yard line to open the fourth. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Maye\u2019s fumbles put him in tough company \u2014 5:35 p.m.<\/p>\n Maye is just the fifth player ever to fumble four or more times in a playoff game, joining Warren Moon (five in a 1994 Houston playoff loss to the Chiefs), Stroud (five in last week\u2019s win over the Steelers), Randall Cunningham (four in the bonkers 23-22 Vikings win over the Giants in 1997), and Browns quarterback Brian Sipe (four in a 14-12 loss to the Raiders on Jan. 4, 1981). \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Houston settles for a field goal \u2014 5:32 p.m.<\/p>\n The Texans chip away a little more at the Patriots\u2019 lead, cutting the deficit to 21-16 on a 51-yard field goal from Ka\u2019imi Fairbairn. <\/p>\n New England looked to have a stop near midfield when C.J. Stroud\u2019s throw sailed over the head of receiver Jayden Higgins, but Carlton Davis was hit with a defensive pass interference call after doing a little grabbing before the ball arrived. The Patriots have a 5-point lead with 1:32 to play in the third quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n What is this, turnover city? \u2014 5:25 p.m.<\/p>\n Since the 2000 season (2001 playoffs), this is the fourth playoff game with at least eight combined turnovers. The last time it happened was Jan. 24, 2016, in a Panthers-Packers mess of a game. The NFL record involved Houston \u2014 but not the Texans. In 1979, the Oilers lost to the Steelers, 34-5, in a game featuring 14 turnovers. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Patriots go three and out … again \u2014 5:22 p.m.<\/p>\n Some boos ring out at Gillette Stadium after the Patriots go three and out following a defensive takeaway. New England has failed to capitalize on any of Houston\u2019s turnovers (aside from the pick-6 from Marcus Jones), punting three times and fumbling once on the four occasions the defense has managed to get its hands on the ball. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n New England forces a fumble to get it back \u2014 5:16 p.m.<\/p>\n A turnover fest continues in Foxborough, as Houston running back Woody Marks fumbles it away \u2014 the eighth turnover between the two teams \u2014 to give New England the ball back at its own 12-yard line. The Patriots still lead, 21-13, with 5:21 to go in the third quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Drake Maye turns it over \u2014 5:12 p.m.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a tough night for Will Campbell, who is struggling against Texans pass rusher Will Anderson. Anderson beat Campbell around the outside for another strip sack on Drake Maye, and Houston jumped on it for Maye\u2019s third turnover on the night. Anderson already has three sacks and popped the football loose on two of them. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n This is the first game of Drake Maye\u2019s career in which he\u2019s fumbled more than twice. Maye is the first Patriots player ever to fumble at least 3 times in a playoff game. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Patriots hold Houston to a field goal \u2014 5:08 p.m.<\/p>\n The Texans strike first to open the second half, driving 58 yards and closing the gap with a 25-yard field goal from Ka\u2019imi Fairbairn to make it 21-13 early in the third quarter. <\/p>\n New England looked like it might have its fifth takeaway of the day after Christian Gonzalez stripped Xavier Hutchinson and Marcus Jones pounced on the fumble, but Hutchinson was ruled down by contact to keep the drive alive. Marcus Jones has had his issues in man coverage tonight, but the slot corner made an impressive recovery to break up a pass on a crucial third down that forced the Texans to settle for a short field goal. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, the Texans are one of the most conservative teams in football on fourth down. Their decision to kick the field goal rather than go for it on fourth-and-2 from inside the 10 gets them to 21-13, but it will be awfully interesting to see whether that decision proves regrettable. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Christopher Price\u2019s halftime observations \u2014 4:50 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n Two quarters are in the books here at Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots are up, 21-10.<\/p>\n Drake Maye: 10-19, 117 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT<\/p>\n Kayshon Boutte: 2 catches, 4 targets, 43 yards<\/p>\n DeMario Douglas: 2 catches, 2 targets, 36 yards, 1 TD<\/p>\n Rhamondre Stevenson: 3 carries, 25 yards<\/p>\n Carlton Davis: 2 INTs<\/p>\n C.J. Stroud: 10-26, 124 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs<\/p>\n Woody Marks: 9 carries, 3 yards<\/p>\n Dalton Schultz: 2 catches, 2 targets, 47 yards<\/p>\n Some halftime takeaways …<\/p>\n \u2022 The one was billed as a tough, physical game, one where scoring will be at a premium, and both teams didn\u2019t disappoint in the first half. Lots of mixing it up after the whistle, pushing and shoving, and general ill will. There has been a steady stream of players to the sideline, including Craig Woodson (head), Stevenson (eye), Marks (shoulder), and Schultz (calf). Schultz was downgraded to out midway through the second quarter. With Nico Collins already out, Houston will have to play the second half without their top two pass catchers. Not ideal.<\/p>\n \u2022 After a good start, the New England offense struggled. The Patriots were 1 for 7 on their first seven third-down opportunities. A large part of the credit goes to the Houston defensive front, which was swarming to the ball and forced Maye to fumble three times. The New England defense came up with four interceptions, two from Davis. It was competitive enough to give the Patriots a halftime lead, and the offense put together a nice drive at the end of the half that culminated with a touchdown pass from Maye to Stefon Diggs.<\/p>\n If New England is going to advance to the AFC Championship Game, the offense must do a better job holding on to the ball and setting up third-and-manageable, as opposed to the third-and-longs they had for much of the first half.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Patriots broke through on their second offensive series. Stevenson picked up some quality yardage on a screen from Maye, and followed that with a big 20-yard pickup. The first big call of the game for New England came when it faced a fourth-and-one at the Houston 28. Maye hit Douglas over the middle on a perfectly timed in-cut, and Douglas took it to the house for the first score of the afternoon, making it 7-0 with 9:35 left in the first quarter.<\/p>\n \u2022 The best way to counter an aggressive Houston defense? Use that aggression against them. Play fakes, reverses, screens, etc. Josh McDaniels called on the screen game on multiple occasions throughout the first half, and while it wasn\u2019t always smooth, New England did (mostly) good job executing.<\/p>\n \u2022 The worst stretch for the Patriots\u2019 defense came on the Texans\u2019 second offensive drive, when Stroud shook loose for a 42-yard completion to Schultz that turned out to be the longest play from scrimmage allowed by New England in the first half. (The Patriots have struggled against productive tight ends all year. Certainly a point of emphasis for them, this offseason is to find a Kyle Dugger type.\u00a0Hmmm.) Davis was then whistled for a face-mask penalty a few plays later, and Houston settled for a 26-yard field goal. Considering that points will be at a premium this afternoon, the red-zone stop (which was due in part to an illegal shift call on the Texans), feels like a win for New England.<\/p>\n \u2022 Best defensive play for the Patriots came midway through the second quarter when K\u2019Lavon Chaisson came flying in off the edge and drilled Stroud. (He was unblocked, remarkably.) The hit forced an errant throw, one that was corralled by Marcus Jones for the pick-6. Really terrific display of team defense for the Patriots. (Chaisson has had a terrific year. Great addition.) New England got another bump on Houston\u2019s next offensive series when Woodson came up with the pick on a tipped ball, but the Patriots ended up going three and out.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Patriots talked about protecting the football all week, but New England\u2019s third offensive series was a dicey one. It started when Kyle Williams lost the handle on a kick return late in the first quarter, but the ball was quickly scooped up by a teammate. Maye lost the handle on a third-down sack from Danielle Hunter, but New England got the ball back (thanks to Will Campbell) before ultimately punting it away. After a Carlton Davis pick (an artful interception along the sideline), the Patriots proceeded to turn the ball over when a busted play led to a hectic Maye scramble, one that ended with a fumble deep in New England territory. It\u2019s wet and cold, but New England\u00a0has\u00a0to do a better job holding on to the football.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Texans did well to respond after that Maye fumble, taking the ball 27 yards on six plays (one of which was a successful fourth-down conversion) for a touchdown. The drive was capped by a nice throw-and-catch from Stroud to Christian Kirk to make it 10-7. After Jones\u2019s pick-6 made it 14-10 with just over 10 minutes left in the second quarter, the Patriots pushed the lead to double digits with a tidy drive that was capped by a brilliant seven-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Stefon Diggs with just over three minutes left in the half. The ball was zipped to a spot where only the receiver could come away with it. A terrific play.<\/p>\n \u2022 Random note: Marks isn\u2019t wearing gloves. Am I the only one who thinks that\u2019s a little odd?<\/p>\n \u2022 The Texans will get the ball to start the second half.<\/p>\n Patriots\u2019 four first-half INTs, while rare, are not unprecedented \u2014 4:46 p.m.<\/p>\n This game is the fourth time in playoff history that a quarterback has been picked 4+ times in the first half. The others were the Jaguars in 2023 (Trevor Lawrence) and Craig Morton in the Super Bowl in 1978. Amazingly, both teams that got picked four times in the first half won. \u2014 Alex Speier <\/p>\n Patriots 21, Texans 10 | Halftime<\/p>\n Patriots lead after a turnover-ridden first half \u2014 4:45 p.m.<\/p>\n The first half ends on a turnover, as Drake Maye\u2019s Hail Mary attempt is picked off in the end zone as time expires. New England had a late chance to score after getting the ball at midfield but lost 8 yards right away on a strip sack \u2014 Maye\u2019s third fumble of the day, with only one lost \u2014 and couldn\u2019t recover enough ground to try a field goal. The Patriots will take a 21-10 lead into the locker room. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n History is on the Patriots\u2019 side \u2014 4:42 p.m.<\/p>\n This is the 68th time a team has recorded four picks in a game. In the prior 67 instances, teams with 4+ picks are 62-5. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Another forced turnover, another punt for New England \u2014 4:35 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots have struggled to capitalize on all these turnovers, as New England again goes three and out after an interception and punts from midfield. The Patriots haven\u2019t scored on any of their three possessions that followed a takeaway by the defense. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Make that four picks for the Pats \u2014 4:34 p.m.<\/p>\n A remarkable first half for the Patriots\u2019 secondary continues with their fourth interception of the day, as Carlton Davis snatches another throw from C.J. Stroud to give New England one more chance at points before halftime. The Patriots will take over at midfield with just under two minutes to play and a 21-10 lead. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Since 2000, teams are 40-9 (.816) in the playoffs when picking off 3+ passes \u2014 as the Patriots have now done. <\/p>\n The 21 points by the Patriots are the most allowed by the Texans in a first half this year. The previous high was 20 by the Jaguars in Week 9 \u2014 in a game the Texans won, 36-29, coming back from a 20-10 halftime deficit. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Stefon Diggs adds to the lead \u2014 4:25 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots offense finally finds some life again, going 56 yards on five plays and extending the lead on a 7-yard touchdown throw from Drake Maye to Stefon Diggs. Forty-five of those yards came on a pair of catches from Kayshon Boutte before Diggs laid out between two defenders for a tough catch that gives New England a 21-10 lead with 3:12 left in the half. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Dalton Schultz downgraded to out \u2014 4:16 p.m.<\/p>\n The Texans will be without their two receiving leaders for the remainder of the game. With Nico Collins ruled out pregame, Dalton Schultz (calf) has now been downgraded to out. \u2014 Emma Healy<\/p>\n New England can\u2019t generate points off its pick \u2014<\/p>\n The Patriots\u2019 offense can\u2019t do anything with strong field position, again going three and out and opting for another punt from Bryce Baringer. His fourth punt of the day is his best, as Baringer pins Houston inside its own 10-yard line with 6:33 to go in the second quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Patriots\u2019 defense comes up with another INT \u2014<\/p>\n Stop us if you\u2019ve heard this before: The Patriots picked off C.J. Stroud. <\/p>\n This one isn\u2019t on the quarterback, as Stroud\u2019s pass hit Xavier Hutchinson in the hands, but Hutchinson couldn\u2019t hang on and Craig Woodson intercepted the pass for New England\u2019s third pick of the half. Woodson was already down by contact by took off and ran with it, absorbing a huge hit from Texans running back Woody Marks for his troubles. New England will take over at the Texans\u2019 48-yard line with a chance to extend the lead. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n This is the third time this year Stroud and the Texans have been picked three times. Remarkably, Houston won each of the other two games in which Stroud was intercepted thrice. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Marcus Jones\u2019s pick-6 gives New England the lead \u2014<\/p>\n Who needs offense, anyway? The Patriots defense comes up with another big takeaway and a defensive score, as Marcus Jones snatches a tipped pass out of the air and returns it for a touchdown to make it a 14-10 New England lead. <\/p>\n C.J. Stroud took a big hit as he threw (courtesy of K\u2019Lavon Chaisson), left the ball hanging in the air, and the Patriots\u2019 fastest player was in the right place for a pick-6 to put New England back in front. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n That\u2019s the first pick-six of the year allowed by Stroud and the Texans, with Marcus Jones fielding the pop fly and weaving his way into the end zone. Jones has two pick-sixes this year \u2014 joining Devin Bush Jr. as the only players in the NFL with multiple pick-six returns this season. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Another punt for the Patriots \u2014<\/p>\n Another offense drive for the Patriots struggles to go anywhere, with New England picking up just one first down (on a third-down scramble from Drake Maye) before bringing Bryce Baringer out for another punt. Maye missed a couple throws on that drive, including one over the top for Kyle Williams. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n The Texans quickly capitalize on that Drake Maye fumble, as C.J. Stroud hits Christian Kirk for a 10-yard touchdown that gives Houston a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. Marcus Jones was in one-on-one coverage against Kirk and got beat on an out-breaking route on the goal line. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Stroud hadn\u2019t been very good this year against the blitz, forging just a 90.5 passer rating with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions against an extra rusher, 24th in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 50 attempts against blitzes. But, with the Patriots selling out, Stroud found Kirk against Marcus Jones for a TD to give the Texans a 10-7 lead. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Patriots 7, Texans 3 | End of 1Q<\/p>\n Patriots lead after the first \u2014<\/p>\n One quarter is in the books at Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots lead, 7-3, in a sloppy start to this divisional-round matchup. <\/p>\n There were three punts and two turnovers in the first 15 minutes, with the two teams combining for six first downs on seven drives. It\u2019s been a tricky start for Drake Maye, who is 5 of 7 for 54 yards and a touchdown but has already fumbled twice, one of which Houston recovered to set up strong field position to start the second quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Drake Maye turns it right back over \u2014<\/p>\n The Patriots give the ball straight back, as some confusion on a handoff \u2014 Drake Maye went one way, Rhamondre Stevenson the other \u2014 leads to a short rush and another fumble from Maye, with this one recovered by Houston. The Texans will get the ball back with great field position at the New England 27-yard line. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n This is Drake Maye\u2019s fourth multi-fumble game of the season, tied for most in the NFL. Maye and Justin Herbert are the only players in the NFL with four multi-fumble games. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Carlton Davis comes up with a huge INT \u2014<\/p>\n The Patriots defense comes up with a huge takeaway, as Carlton Davis lays out for an overthrown pass from C.J. Stroud and gets his knee down in bounds for an interception. That\u2019s Davis\u2019s first pick for the Patriots, who will get the ball back at their own 18-yard line late in the first quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Robert Spillane, Dalton Schultz questionable to return \u2014<\/p>\n New England linebacker Robert Spillane is questionable to return to the game with a thumb injury.<\/p>\n Texans tight end Dalton Schultz is also questionable, heading to the locker room with a calf injury.<\/p>\n Patriots punt it away \u2014<\/p>\n The Patriots follow their touchdown drive with an ugly three and out, which included a stuffed run on first down followed by a batted-down pass on second down and a strip sack (and 10-yard loss after it was recovered by tackle Will Campbell) that forced New England to punt from its own end zone. <\/p>\n Bryce Baringer narrowly got his punt away, and the Texans returned it to the Patriots\u2019 47 while Brenden Schooler (and the Gillette Stadium crowd) appealed for a holding call down the field. His request went unanswered, and Houston will take over at midfield. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n New England holds Houston to a field goal \u2014<\/p>\n The Texans respond with a scoring drive of their own, going 65 yards in 10 plays before Ka\u2019imi Fairbairn hits a 24-yard field goal to make it 7-3. A huge chunk of those yards came on one busted-coverage play, with Texans tight end Dalton Schultz having half the field to himself on a 42-yard catch and run to get Houston deep into New England territory.<\/p>\n The Texans seemed to have punched in a touchdown from the 1-yard line, but an illegal shift call negated the score, and Houston settled for a field goal. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Patriots have made a habit of scoring first \u2014<\/p>\n The Patriots entered today having scored first in 9 games this year, going 8-1 in those games. The only loss was the home game against the Bills. The Texans were 4-2 when the opponent scored first (compared to 9-3 when they scored first). \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Maye hits Douglas for a TD on fourth down \u2014 3:15 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots go bold early and it pays off, as Drake Maye hits DeMario Douglas over the middle on fourth and 1 and Douglas breaks free for a 28-yard touchdown. Gillette Stadium is already bouncing as New England takes a 7-0 lead over Houston with 9:35 to play in the first quarter. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Entering Sunday, the Patriots had converted 73 percent (19 for 26) of fourth-down attempts, the second highest conversion rate in the NFL. They\u2019re now 20 for 27. That was their fourth touchdown of the year on fourth down. <\/p>\n The Texans defense had stopped opponents on fourth downs 50 percent (12 of 24) of the time this year, the ninth-best fourth-down shutdown percentage in the NFL. That was the third touchdown they\u2019ve given up on fourth down this year. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n Houston\u2019s defense gets an early stop \u2014 3:06 p.m.<\/p>\n A slow start for the Patriots offense, which quickly goes three and out to open this divisional round matchup. Bryce Baringer is out early for his first punt of the day, which the Texans return to their own 26-yard line to start their first drive. \u2014 Amin Touri<\/p>\n Best on best in the playoffs \u2014 3:06 p.m.<\/p>\n The last time the No. 1 and 2 seeds in both the AFC and NFC advanced to the conference championships was the 2018 season. The No. 1 seeds (Seattle and Denver) have already punched their ticket, so we\u2019ll see what happens to the Patriots and Bears today. \u2014 Nicole Yang<\/p>\n A note on the weather \u2014 3:05 p.m.<\/p>\n Obviously, much will be made of the weather today \u2014 but the Texans, surprisingly, have been as good a cold-weather team as any in the NFL this year. The Texans are 3-0 this year in games that were 40 degrees or below at kickoff. They were the only team in the NFL to play at least three such games and not lose any of them. Of course, the Patriots were 6-1 at 40 degrees and below at kickoff \u2014 tied with the Bills for the most wins in cold games this year. In franchise history, the Patriots are 22-5 in playoff games in 40-degree (or colder) weather at kickoff. \u2014 Alex Speier<\/p>\n We are underway \u2014 3:02 p.m.<\/p>\n Houston wins the toss and defers. The Patriots will receive the ball to start the game. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s how the Globe\u2019s reporters think this will go \u2014 2:45 p.m.<\/p>\n Dan Shaughnessy: Patriots 16, Texans 13. Every person at Gillette is already certain that the Patriots are in the Super Bowl, but the Texans have other ideas. Houston has never been in the conference championship game and they see opportunity here today. Look for another rock fight with a lot of field goals.<\/p>\n Ben Volin: Patriots 23, Texans 10. The Texans\u2019 defense is elite, but don\u2019t forget about the Patriots\u2019 defense, too. It is at its healthiest in weeks and held the Chargers to 3 points last week. Maye and the Patriots\u2019 offense will have a tough test, but it\u2019s hard seeing C.J. Stroud and a shaky offensive line having much success on Sunday.<\/p>\n Nicole Yang: Patriots 24, Texans 13. New England\u2019s magical season keeps on going.<\/p>\n Christopher Price: Patriots 20, Texans 14. The loss of Nico Collins, Houston\u2019s best and most consistent offensive threat all year, is huge. The Texans will likely struggle to move the ball, especially against a New England defense that will have its full complement of starters for the first time in months. The Patriots won\u2019t offer a lot of offensive fireworks against the Houston defense, but in the end, they\u2019ll be able to accomplish just enough to move on to the conference championship next week in Denver.<\/p>\n Some celebrities in the house \u2014 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a star-studded sideline ahead of Sunday\u2019s divisional matchup. \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d star Zac Efron is on the sideline with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Bruins legend Zdeno Chara, whose No. 33 went to the TD Garden rafters this week<\/a>, was spotted shaking hands with some of the Patriots during warmups. <\/p>\n Former Patriots Rob Ninkovich and James White are also in attendance. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a snowy day in Foxborough \u2014 2:20 p.m.<\/p>\n The prospect of snowy playing conditions for Sunday\u2019s Patriots-Texans matchup at Gillette Stadium is now a reality as the track of a coastal storm has taken shape. The two most notable changes are the earlier start time for the snow, between 1 and 4 p.m., just as the game gets underway, and the increased snowfall projections. \u2014 Dave Epstein<\/p>\n No accumulation on the field just yet, but the snow is coming down steadily here in Foxborough. \u2014 Emma Healy<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n The Globe staff\u2019s players to watch \u2014 2:15 p.m.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s who the Globe reporters and columnists are keeping an eye on. <\/p>\n Patriots<\/p>\n Andy Borregales. The kicker has had a great season, he\u2019s geeked about the Hurricanes playing at home tomorrow night in the National Championship game, and he\u2019s due for a Vinatieri-like playoff moment. This game\u2019s going to be closer than you all think, so today\u2019s the day. \u2014 Dan Shaughnessy<\/p>\n Morgan Moses. The Texans don\u2019t have one All-Pro pass rusher, they have two: Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks and six forced fumbles this season. The only way the Patriots lose Sunday is if they can\u2019t protect Drake Maye and the Texans\u2019 defense creates big turnovers and scores points. \u2014 Ben Volin<\/p>\n Will Campbell. Can the rookie left tackle hold up against Houston\u2019s withering pass rush? New England figures to help him as much as possible this week with a focus on quick releases, play-fakes, and an extra tackle (Thayer Munford Jr.), but there\u2019s only so much they can do. If Campbell and right tackle Morgan Moses can keep Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter at bay, it\u2019ll go a long way toward a Patriots\u2019 win. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n The entire offensive line. The Patriots have completely revamped their O-line this season, with four new starters and three new coaches. The unit has greatly improved and is no longer the major liability it once was. Sunday will be its biggest test, with a pair of elite pass rushers on the other side. If Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. can consistently generate pressure, then the Patriots could be in for a long day. \u2014 Nicole Yang<\/p>\n Texans<\/p>\n Nico Collins. Whoops. My bad. Collins is not playing because he\u2019s in the concussion protocol. So once again, the best player on the team the Patriots are playing will not be able to play. Kind of like the Broncos\u2019 starting QB being unavailable if the Patriots advance to the AFC Championship. \u2014 Dan Shaughnessy<\/p>\n Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, and Calen Bullock. Everyone knows about the Texans\u2019 All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley, but the Texans\u2019 secondary is loaded with talent and versatility. Lassiter, Pitre, and Bullock combined for 12 interceptions and 39 passes defended and will be a handful for the Patriots\u2019 tight ends and slot receivers. \u2014 Ben Volin<\/p>\n Dalton Schultz. The Patriots have struggled all season long against talented tight ends, and with Nico Collins out of the lineup, the Texans will lean heavily on Schultz this afternoon. Schultz, who led Houston in receptions this season with 82 (for 777 yards and three touchdowns), isn\u2019t an overwhelming presence, but his reliability and dependability means C.J. Stroud will look to him to help move the chains against New England. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n CJ Stroud. If Stroud turns the ball over three times like he did in the wild-card game, then it\u2019s hard to imagine the Texans escaping with another victory. Given the strength of Houston\u2019s defense, it sure seems as though the game will come down to whether Stroud can score enough points. Without his top receiver, Nico Collins, Stroud will be forced to create with Christian Kirk, a pair of rookies, and tight end Dalton Schultz. \u2014 Nicole Yang<\/p>\n Meet Sunday\u2019s officiating crew \u2014 1:35 p.m.<\/p>\n Shawn Smith will serve as the referee for Sunday\u2019s divisional round contest between the Patriots and Texans. On average, his crew called the seventh-fewest number of penalties per game over the course of the regular season (12.13). Smith\u2019s crew called 34 false starts during the regular season. This will mark his second New England game of the year; he served as the lead official for the Dec. 1 game in Foxborough between the Patriots and Giants, a contest where New England was flagged only three times on the night. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Who\u2019s inactive for the Patriots? \u2014 1:30 p.m.<\/p>\n No surprises on the inactives list: Kobee Minor, Bradyn Swinson, Marcus Bryant, Eric Gregory, Caedan Wallace, and C.J. Dippre. Tommy DeVito is the emergency third quarterback. <\/p>\n Christian Gonzalez was cleared from concussion protocol early in the week and is active. Khyiris Tonga is active after he returned to practice this week following multiple missed games with a foot injury, and Harold Landry is active as well.<\/p>\n The Patriots also activated corner Alex Austin from injured reserve.<\/p>\n Texans\u2019 elite defense has inside information on Josh McDaniels \u2014 1:15 p.m.<\/p>\n By Ben Volin<\/p>\n Thursday afternoon, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels downplayed the familiarity between members of the Texans coaching staff and himself.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re in the league long enough, you have friends across the sideline almost with every game you play,\u201d McDaniels said as the Patriots prepared for Sunday\u2019s playoff game against the Texans. \u201cThis will certainly be no different.\u201d<\/p>\n Well, it will be a little different.\u00a0Facing the Texans\u2019 No. 1-rated defense is difficult enough<\/a>, but McDaniels and the Patriots also have to contend with a Texans coaching staff that knows them like family.<\/p>\n First, there\u2019s literal family \u2014 the Texans wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator is Josh\u2019s younger brother, Ben McDaniels.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this is our fourth time having an opportunity to do this. Just a little bit more at stake,\u201d Josh McDaniels said of facing his brother.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n Without Nico Collins, do the Texans have enough weapons? \u2014 1:00 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n The Texans\u2019 offense absorbed a sizable blow when wide receiver Nico Collins was ruled out for Sunday\u2019s divisional round matchup against the Patriots.<\/p>\n Collins finished the regular season as the Texans\u2019 leading receiver with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.<\/p>\n The 6-foot-4-inch, 222-pounder was injured\u00a0in the third quarter of Monday night\u2019s 30-6 wild-card win\u00a0<\/a>over the Steelers. After he was unable to haul in a pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud, the receiver fell face-first to the turf. He was carted to the locker room, then diagnosed with a concussion. He did not practice all week.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n Christian Gonzalez set to play after clearing concussion protocol \u2014 12:45 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n The Patriots announced Friday afternoon that cornerback\u00a0Christian Gonzalez\u00a0cleared concussion protocol and no longer had an injury designation in advance of Sunday\u2019s divisional round game against the Texans.<\/p>\n Gonzalez sustained a head injury in last week\u2019s 16-3 wild-card win over the Chargers, and was in the concussion protocol early in the week. He donned a red noncontact jersey for Wednesday\u2019s practice, but was in a standard blue defensive jersey for practice on Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n The team listed him as limited on Wednesday, and as a full participant on Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n Emma Healy can be reached at emma.healy@globe.com<\/a> or on X @ByEmmaHealy<\/a>. Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com<\/a>. Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com<\/a>. Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com<\/a>. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social. Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com<\/a>. Follow her on X @nicolecyang<\/a>. Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at daniel.shaughnessy@globe.com<\/a>. Follow him @dan_shaughnessy<\/a>. Alex Speier can be reached at alex.speier@globe.com<\/a>. Follow him @alexspeier<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Stefon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4XE264U2HQ22CD25EXTNS5YO7I.jpg\")
Stefon Diggs dives for a touchdown catch in the second quarter.Danielle Parhizkaran\/Globe Staff<\/p>\n