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Patriots Capitalize on Takeaways to Eliminate Texans 28–16, Reach First AFC Title Game Since 2018

The Broncos await with starter Bo Nix sidelined by injury.

Overview

  • Quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, highlighted by a fourth-quarter one-handed end-zone catch by Kayshon Boutte and an earlier score to Stefon Diggs.
  • Marcus Jones returned one of C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions for a touchdown as the teams combined for eight turnovers, the most in an NFL playoff game since 2015.
  • In Mike Vrabel’s first year in charge, New England secured its 16th conference championship appearance and extended its divisional-round win streak to nine.
  • The loss dropped Houston to 0–7 all-time in divisional-round games.
  • New England visits Denver for the AFC Championship on Jan. 25, with the Broncos entering the matchup without injured starting quarterback Bo Nix.