Overview
- Nico Collins stayed in concussion protocol and missed late-week practice, making him unlikely to face New England, while special teamer Justin Watson is also expected to sit.
- Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was listed as a full participant Thursday after entering the protocol earlier in the week.
- Kickoff is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium, with sportsbooks installing New England as roughly a 3-point favorite.
- Houston brings the NFL’s stingiest defense by yards allowed and a turnover edge into a strength-on-strength test against Drake Maye and the Patriots, with pass protection versus the Texans’ rush a key matchup.
- A win would send Houston to its first AFC Championship Game; New England is seeking its first trip to the round in seven years.