Overview
- Kickoff is 3 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium on ESPN/ABC, and the winner advances to face the Broncos in Denver on Jan. 25.
- Snow is expected to intensify during the game with potential 3–5 inches and possible accumulation on the field and nearby roads.
- Sportsbooks list New England as roughly a 3-point favorite with a total near 40–41, signaling expectations of a low-scoring matchup.
- Both clubs reached this round behind dominant defenses, with the Patriots topping the Chargers 16-3 and the Texans beating the Steelers 30-6 with two defensive touchdowns.
- Houston ruled out wide receivers Nico Collins and Justin Watson with concussions, while New England has cornerback Christian Gonzalez active and linebacker Harold Landry questionable.