The New England Patriots won the Texans game today, securing a 24-17 victory in a tightly contested AFC Divisional Round matchup at Gillette Stadium. In a game defined by shifting momentum and a relentless New England pass rush, the Patriots managed to contain C.J. Stroud just enough to advance to the AFC Championship.
It wasn't exactly the outcome Houston fans were dreaming of after their dominant Wild Card performance against the Steelers. But football is a game of inches, and today, those inches belonged to the home team in Foxborough.
The Turning Point in Foxborough
Honestly, the energy shifted early in the fourth quarter. Houston had just clawed back to tie the game at 17-17 after a brilliant 12-play drive that saw Stroud find Tank Dell for a leaping grab in the corner of the end zone. For a moment, it felt like the Texans were going to pull off another road upset.
Then Drake Maye happened.
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The Patriots' sophomore quarterback, who has been drawing comparisons to some of the greats lately, orchestrated a methodical 75-yard drive. He wasn't just throwing; he was dissecting the Texans' secondary. The drive ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry, putting the Patriots up for good.
Houston had one last chance. With under two minutes left, Stroud led the offense to the New England 38-yard line. But the Patriots' defensive front, led by a relentless Keion White, forced two hurried throws and a final sack that essentially ended the Texans' season.
Key Stats and Standouts
If you look at the box score, the game was closer than the final score suggests. Total yards were nearly identical, but the Texans struggled in two key areas: third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency.
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- C.J. Stroud: 22/36, 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Drake Maye: 20/29, 215 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT.
- Woody Marks (Texans RB): 18 carries, 82 yards.
- Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots RB): 21 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD.
Nico Collins being on the inactive list today was a massive blow for Houston. Without their primary deep threat, the Texans had to rely on shorter, intermediate routes. New England’s secondary sat on those routes all day, making life difficult for the Texans' receiving corps.
Why the Texans Game Today Mattered
This game was a measuring stick for DeMeco Ryans and his squad. After the "rock fight" win against Pittsburgh last week, Houston entered this game with a lot of hype. They were riding a nine-game winning streak and looked like the hottest team in the AFC.
New England, however, has rediscovered that "Patriots Way" under Mike Vrabel. They played disciplined football. They didn't commit a single turnover. In the playoffs, that’s usually the difference between going home and moving on.
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The Texans' defense, which has been their backbone all year, actually played quite well. Will Anderson Jr. was a frequent visitor to the Patriots' backfield, recording two sacks and several pressures. But Maye’s ability to extend plays with his legs kept the Houston defense on the field for over 35 minutes of game time. By the fourth quarter, you could see the fatigue setting in.
What’s Next for the Houston Texans?
While the loss hurts, the future in Houston is undeniably bright. This team went from an 0-3 start to a Divisional Round appearance. C.J. Stroud has firmly established himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback, and the defense has young stars at every level.
The focus now shifts to the offseason. Houston has significant cap space and a clear set of needs—specifically at wide receiver and along the interior offensive line. If they can add another playmaker to pair with a healthy Nico Collins, this offense could be scary in 2026.
For those tracking the rest of the bracket, the Patriots will now wait for the winner of the Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos game to see where they’ll be playing for the AFC title. As for Houston, they head back to Texas with their heads high, knowing they've officially put the rest of the league on notice.
Immediate Action Steps for Fans
- Check the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the final post-game medical updates, especially regarding the offensive line players who were shaken up late in the game.
- Review the Draft Order: With the season over, Houston’s draft position is now locked in. Look for early mock drafts to see which wide receivers might be available in the mid-to-late first round.
- Watch the AFC Championship: The Patriots' performance today gives a great blueprint on how to (and how not to) defend Drake Maye. It’ll be worth watching if their next opponent can replicate Houston's pass rush success.