Overview
- The Patriots and Texans meet Sunday in the AFC divisional round, matching New England’s offense under Josh McDaniels against Houston’s top-tier unit.
- Houston allowed the fewest yards and first downs this season, ranked second in points allowed at 17.4 per game, and produced takeaways in 16 of 18 contests.
- The Texans feature All-Pro talents such as Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and Derek Stingley, with additional playmakers including Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Pitre.
- Multiple Texans coaches and executives previously worked with New England or McDaniels, including Nick Caley, Cole Popovich, Jerry Schuplinski, Frank Ross, and GM Nick Caserio, though both sides publicly downplayed any advantage.
- McDaniels will coach opposite his brother, Texans receivers coach Ben McDaniels, as QB Drake Maye keeps the room loose with friendly ribbing, and DraftKings lists New England as a three-point favorite as of Friday morning.