🏈 Texans @ Patriots — AFC Divisional Round (Playoffs)

Another week, another playoff spotlight — and this Sunday the Houston Texans head north to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots in a huge Divisional Round showdown.

📍 Where: Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts

🗓 When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 🕒 Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET 📺 TV: ESPN / ABC (Streaming options on fubo, ESPN+)

🔥 Game Context (Texans fan angle)

• After steamrolling the Steelers 30–6 in the Wild Card round, the Texans earned this shot — their first divisional playoff game of the season and a shot at the AFC Championship. Houston’s defense has been elite all year (fewest yards allowed, second fewest points) and has carried the team in big moments.

But it won’t be easy. The Patriots are a classic postseason foe with history at Gillette — New England has beaten Houston in both past playoff meetings (2012, 2016). 📉 Big Injury Story

Texans fans — this one hurts:

🟥 Star WR Nico Collins is OUT for Sunday’s game after failing to clear concussion protocol. He was Houston’s leading receiver in 2025 (71 catches, 1,117 yards) and his absence reshapes the offense. Christian Kirk and the young corps will need to step up in a big way.

That’s a tough break, but it’s playoff football — next man up mentality, baby.

• 📊 Odds & Predictions
• 📍 Spread: Patriots ~-3 (Texans +3)
• 💰 Moneyline: Texans +130 / Patriots ~-148
• 📈 Total (O/U): ~41–41.5 points expected

Bookmakers give New England the edge at home, but it’s a tight line — Texans are absolutely in this game if the defense sets the tone and Stroud finds Kirk early.

🧠 What Makes This a Great Spot for Houston

👉 The Texans defense has been a wall all season — and they’re seasoned now in postseason intensity.

👉 C.J. Stroud isn’t fazed by big stages — he’s shown poise all year.

👉 Patriots aren’t unbeatable, and history doesn’t predict anything.

This isn’t a cakewalk — but it is a matchup where Houston can win if they control the trenches, extend drives, and keep tomfoolery to a minimum.

📣 A Texan’s Rallying Cry

We’re in New England’s house… colder weather… hostile crowd… former legacy franchise energy… and still, here’s the bottom line:

Texans are flying in with momentum, confidence, and one singular goal — win and keep the AFC title dream alive. Sunday isn’t just another game.

It’s a statement opportunity.

Let’s go! 🚀💙🤍🔥