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Patriots vs. Texans Divisional Round Sets Drake Maye Against Houston’s No. 1 Defense

Houston plans to contain Drake Maye’s pocket escapes, a priority as New England arrives confident after a dominant defensive showing.

The NE Patriots practiced on the Gillette Stadium practice field on Jan. 8, 2026.
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New England Patriots host the Houston Texans in the NFL Divisional Round. Here's a look at the DraftKings odds for a Rhamondre Stevenson Anytime Touchdown, plus much more. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Overview

  • New England hosts Houston at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 18 in the AFC Divisional Round with a berth in the conference title game at stake.
  • The Texans enter with one of the NFL’s top defenses by scoring, yards per play, takeaways and EPA, fresh off a 30-6 win over the Steelers featuring two defensive touchdowns.
  • Head coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted limiting Maye’s escapes and deep shots as Houston’s focal point against a high-powered Patriots offense.
  • The Patriots held the Chargers to three points in the Wild Card round, and linebacker Anfernee Jennings said the unit finally played to its standard with complementary football.
  • Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was named a finalist for the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year, while Maye’s dual-threat season kept him in the MVP conversation.