New England Patriots to Host Houston Texans in AFC Divisional Round
The wait is over for the New England Patriots fans as they finally know their opponent for next weekend's match at Gillette Stadium. The team, who defeated the Chargers 16-3 in the wild-card round, will host the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round on Sunday.
Following a dramatic win for Houston against Pittsburgh, which included four sacks and two turnovers, the Texans punched their ticket to the next round. This defensive masterclass was just what they needed, as quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled against Pittsburgh with five total fumbles and one interception.
The Patriots' defense may have its work cut out this time around, however. Houston's offense has been vulnerable all season, particularly in pass protection. Entering the playoffs, the Texans' offensive line ranks 30th in pass block win rate (55.4 percent) and 32nd in run block win rate (68.3 percent).
On the other hand, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will have his hands full with Houston's elite defensive unit. The Texans closed out the regular season as the No. 1 team in the NFL in total defense (277 yards allowed per game) and the No. 2 scoring defense (17.4 yards per game).
This matchup marks a familiar test for Maye, who made his first career NFL start against Houston last season. He threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns but also got knocked for three turnovers.
The Patriots will host the Texans at Gillette Stadium this Sunday with kick-off set for 3 p.m. The team's defense could be primed for another big game against Houston, considering that Stroud has often been put under duress this season.
The wait is over for the New England Patriots fans as they finally know their opponent for next weekend's match at Gillette Stadium. The team, who defeated the Chargers 16-3 in the wild-card round, will host the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round on Sunday.
Following a dramatic win for Houston against Pittsburgh, which included four sacks and two turnovers, the Texans punched their ticket to the next round. This defensive masterclass was just what they needed, as quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled against Pittsburgh with five total fumbles and one interception.
The Patriots' defense may have its work cut out this time around, however. Houston's offense has been vulnerable all season, particularly in pass protection. Entering the playoffs, the Texans' offensive line ranks 30th in pass block win rate (55.4 percent) and 32nd in run block win rate (68.3 percent).
On the other hand, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will have his hands full with Houston's elite defensive unit. The Texans closed out the regular season as the No. 1 team in the NFL in total defense (277 yards allowed per game) and the No. 2 scoring defense (17.4 yards per game).
This matchup marks a familiar test for Maye, who made his first career NFL start against Houston last season. He threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns but also got knocked for three turnovers.
The Patriots will host the Texans at Gillette Stadium this Sunday with kick-off set for 3 p.m. The team's defense could be primed for another big game against Houston, considering that Stroud has often been put under duress this season.
they gotta be so hyped right now! but seriously tho, this matchup is gonna be a wild one - houstons defense is like crazy good and patriots QB drake maye is like "oh no not again" lol jk dont wanna jinx him but seriously though, patriots defense has been looking strong all season and i think they can take it to houston 
but only time will tell!
. Now they're gonna host the Texans at Gillette Stadium, but I gotta say, it feels like we're back in the 90s with Brady leading the team 
. The Patriots' defense is looking fierce this season, reminds me of the '03 squad that took down the Panthers in the Super Bowl 
. But Drake Maye's gonna have to bring his A-game against Houston's elite defense - that was a tough one last season 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out this Sunday 
.
i heard their defense is gonna be all over cj stroud like white on rice 
and that's good news for the patriots, am i right? 
but seriously, maye's gonna have to step up his game if he wants to take down houston... 
They're like a well-oiled machine, and I love it! 
But at the same time, I think Drake Maye's got this. He showed us what he's made of last season against Houston, and I'm all in on him making some magic happen. 
Gillette Stadium is gonna be ROCKIN' 
, and I'm already imagining the Patriots' defense shutting down Stroud and company! 
. Not a lot of points, but definitely a lot of intensity 
and hopefully their defense can keep the Texans from makin' a comeback 
, 3 pm sunday can't come soon enough 
. i know the patriots' D is gonna try to contain him but i think houston's offense is more of a wild card... will they come through or fall flat again? 
. Still gotta be worried about the turnovers tho 
so the Patriots are hosting the Texans and I'm already seeing why they're called the "Texans" ... they can't even protect their QB in a regular game, let alone a playoff one 
. And don't even get me started on Maye's "experience" playing against Houston - yeah sure, he threw three TDs last year but also had three turnovers... that doesn't exactly scream confidence 
. this guy's gonna need to bring his a game if he wants to take down that elite defensive unit. 3 p.m kick-off can't come soon enough, i'm ready for some football action!
did he not learn from last season? 
. On offense, I think the Pats will try to exploit those weaknesses with Drake Maye's arm talent 
. All in all, this could be a low-scoring game, with both teams grinding out yards 