Proving Ground: Patriots Host Texans in Captivating AFC Divisional Round Matchup
On Sunday, January 18th, the New England Patriots will host the Houston Texans in the second AFC Divisional Round game and third playoff game overall over the weekend. The Patriots come into this matchup after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card Round last week. The Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on Monday night. Both teams still have plenty left to prove as they eye the AFC Championship Game. This contest features two quarterbacks that could potentially see each other in the NFL Playoffs quite often within their young careers, in Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud, while showcasing two defenses that are ready to do damage and make some big plays. The winner of this game will see either the Buffalo Bills or the AFC’s first-seeded Denver Broncos. If Buffalo wins, they’ll have to go on the road to either New England or Houston, while if the Broncos wins the winner of the Patriots/Texans game will travel to Denver for the AFC Championship.
It’s still unclear if we’ll see Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who left during the fourth quarter against the Chargers. Gonzalez was put into concussion protocol and was limited at practice on Wednesday afternoon. Without the 2025 Pro Bowl cornerback, New England’s defense looked a step off from what it has in previous games this season. However, it’s most likely we’ll see Gonzalez out on the field this Sunday. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga also returned to practice on Wednesday after being out since Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens with a foot injury. New England got Robert Spillane and Milton Williams back in the lineup in last week’s win as well, so seeing this Patriots defense coming together healthy is a huge deal. Maye and the offense will look to make huge strides once again. The Patriots’ 23-year-old quarterback must make an impact throwing the ball as well as making plays on his feet. Guys like Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and TreVeyon Henderson need to make those big plays and keep the chains moving.
Houston’s wide receiver, Nico Collins, was out of practice Wednesday afternoon, with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and cornerback Kamari Lassiter limited. Having these guys back out on the field will be huge for the Texans on both sides of the ball. While Houston’s defense is stacked with Pro Bowlers such as Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Al-Shaair, the offense has just as many weapons that can change the game in an instant. Jo'quavious Marks rushed over 100 yards, and Christian Kirk recorded 144 receiving yards during the Wild Card win over the Steelers; expect both these guys, as well as Nick Chubb, Jayden Higgins, and Dalton Schultz, to keep Houston in contention all game long. Stroud must use the weapons he has to keep the Patriots’ defense guessing at all times. Houston has the opportunity to prove this season that the future is now when it comes to DeMeco Ryans’ Texans squad.
The Patriots are looking for a 16th AFC Championship Game appearance, while the Texans are looking for their very first. The quarterback matchup will depend on who makes those key plays during crunch time, as well as who uses their legs to pick up big yardage. Cornerbacks K'Lavon Chaisson and Gonzalez going up against wide receivers in Collins and Kirk will be a huge matchup to watch out for. Also, the kicking game between Andres Borregales and Ka'imi Fairbairn will matter with all the missed field goals and extra-point attempts we’ve seen in this year’s playoffs.
ESPN has the Patriots as the favorites at 52 percent. This matchup has the chance to go down as an epic playoff thriller if it’s as competitive as everyone believes it will be. Both teams have the chance to get off the proving grounds and show the NFL that they’re a playoff team for years to come. For me, watching Maye grow as a quarterback and the leader of the Patriots all season has been something special to see. It would be hard to see that end; however, I think New England has what it takes to beat the Texans in front of their home crowd. While it very well may be a nail-biter, the Patriots have conquered numerous doubts this season and will continue to do so Sunday afternoon. Not to say the Texans don’t have what it takes to win this game, because they surely do. Yet, it always comes down to the play of the quarterback, and with Maye in the MVP conversation all season, it’s hard not to see the Patriots lose this one.
