Overview
- The divisional-round matchup is set for Sunday in Foxborough, with DraftKings listing New England as a three-point favorite.
- Houston allowed the fewest yards and first downs this season, ranked second in points allowed at 17.4 per game, and is led by All-Pros Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley.
- Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels faces his younger brother Ben, Houston’s passing game coordinator and receivers coach, in their fourth meeting and first in the playoffs.
- Multiple Texans coaches and executives, including coordinator Nick Caley and GM Nick Caserio, previously worked with McDaniels in New England, though both staffs publicly downplay any decisive edge.
- Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has kept the week light with friendly jabs at his OC and has praised the Texans’ speed and discipline on film.