Overview
- Kickoff is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium on ESPN/ABC, with near‑freezing temperatures and a National Weather Service outlook that includes a chance of light snow and up to 1–2 inches possible.
- Texans receivers Nico Collins and Justin Watson are out in concussion protocol, while tackle Trent Brown is questionable; Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez is cleared, with Harold Landry listed as questionable and DT Khyiris Tonga set to return.
- Houston brings one of the NFL’s elite defenses after leading the league in total defense and forcing 29 turnovers, and it posted a rare multiple defensive touchdown game in the Wild Card win at Pittsburgh.
- New England enters as a slight betting favorite behind an offense that ranked near the top of the league, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye coming off a 16–3 Wild Card win over the Chargers.
- The winner advances to the AFC Championship Game next week to face the Buffalo–Denver victor.