Patriots Defeat Texans 28-16, Advance to AFC Championship Game

The New England Patriots secured a spot in the AFC Championship Game after a commanding 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans on January 18, 2026. The win, highlighted by a strong defensive performance that included four interceptions of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, marks the Patriots’ return to the conference title game for the first time in seven years.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots improved their season record to 16-3. They will face the Denver Broncos (15-3) next Sunday in a matchup that will determine which team advances to the Super Bowl. This victory also signifies New England’s 16th appearance in the conference championship, the first since their run towards their sixth Super Bowl title during the 2018 season.

In challenging weather conditions that featured both snow and rain, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards, including three touchdown passes. Despite struggling with one interception and fumbling four times—losing two—Maye expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “Just proud of the guys. Battled the elements. This is New England,” he said. “Props to our defense; they played a hell of a game.”

The Patriots’ defense played a pivotal role in the outcome, with cornerback Marcus Jones returning one of Stroud’s interceptions for a touchdown. Carlton Davis III also had two interceptions, and Craig Woodson contributed with another interception and a fumble recovery. The collective effort helped New England capitalize on Houston’s mistakes, leading to a total of eight turnovers in the game, the highest in a playoff match since 2015.

Stroud, who finished with 20 completions on 47 attempts and a touchdown pass, struggled significantly. He became the first player in NFL postseason history to throw five or more interceptions and fumble five or more times in a single postseason. Despite his difficulties, he did connect with wide receiver Christian Kirk for a 10-yard touchdown in the first half, keeping the Texans competitive.

Houston’s misfortunes continued as they suffered their third consecutive loss in the divisional round under head coach DeMeco Ryans. The franchise remains without a victory in this round, now holding a record of 0-7.

The game was marked by a series of turnovers, with both teams exchanging mistakes early on. After leading 7-3, the Patriots faced a scare when Maye was strip-sacked by Danielle Hunter. However, they regained momentum when Davis intercepted Stroud’s deep pass.

The Texans’ only touchdown came after a series of errors from the Patriots. Following Maye’s second fumble, Stroud connected with Kirk, giving Houston a brief lead. Yet, New England quickly responded with a defensive touchdown, as Jones intercepted Stroud’s pass and returned it for a score, putting the Patriots ahead 14-10.

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, New England maintained a narrow lead. A spectacular one-handed touchdown catch by Kayshon Boutte extended their advantage to 27-16. The Texans attempted to mount a comeback, but ultimately failed to convert on a crucial fourth down.

Injuries also played a role in the game, with several key players sidelined. The Texans lost tight end Dalton Schultz to a calf injury in the first quarter, and running back Woody Marks exited with a shoulder injury. On the Patriots’ side, linebacker Robert Spillane returned after an early thumb injury, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson left with an eye issue.

The Patriots’ victory not only showcases their defensive prowess but also sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the Broncos, as they aim for another chance at the Super Bowl.