Patriots take down Texans in turnover-filled affair to reach AFC title…
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Drake Maye threw three landing passes, Marcus Jones returned one among C.J. Stroud’s 4 interceptions for a score and the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 on Sunday to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in seven years.
In Mike Vrabel’s first season as coach, the Patriots will make their sixteenth convention championship game look and first since their run to their sixth Super Bowl title under Bill Belichick in the 2018 season. New England has received its last 9 divisional round games.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws in the first quarter in an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Connect
Maye completed 16 of 27 for 179 yards, however had an interception and fumbled 4 instances, shedding two in chilly circumstances in which snow and rain fell throughout the game.
One of Maye’s fumbles arrange Houston’s first landing.
Carlton Davis III had two interceptions for New England. Craig Woodson added an interception and fumble recovery.
Carlton Davis III #7 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates after intercepting a move against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026. Getty Images
Okay’lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots sacks C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026. Getty Images
The eight mixed turnovers — Woody Marks also misplaced a fumble for Houston — have been the most in a playoff game since 2015, when the Cardinals and Panthers mixed for eight in the NFC championship game.
The Texans have misplaced in the divisional round in three straight seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans. The franchise is now 0-7 all-time in this round.
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