The New England Patriots are headed to the AFC Championship game for the first time in seven years after a dominant defensive display secured a 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. The Patriots' defence intercepted rookie quarterback CJ Stroud four times, returning one for a touchdown, to book a place against the Denver Broncos.
Defence Dominates in Turnover-Fest
In wet and snowy conditions, the game was defined by turnovers. The Patriots' defence was relentless, picking off Houston's CJ Stroud four times in the first half alone. Cornerback Marcus Jones returned one of those interceptions for a score, while Carlton Davis III grabbed two picks. Safety Craig Woodson also contributed with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had a mixed day, throwing for three touchdowns but also fumbling four times and throwing an interception. One of his lost fumbles led directly to Houston's first touchdown. The eight combined turnovers were the most in any NFL playoff game since the 2015 NFC Championship.
Patriots Seal Victory in Fourth Quarter
Leading 21-16 entering the final period, New England extended their advantage with a spectacular play. Receiver Kayshon Boutte beat coverage from Derek Stingley Jr. to make a stunning one-handed, diving catch in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
The Texans' last meaningful drive ended with a punt deep in their own territory with just over four minutes remaining. New England's offence managed the clock effectively, and the game was sealed when Robert Spillane batted down a fourth-down pass from Stroud intended for Xavier Hutchinson.
Road to the Championship
This victory marks a significant milestone for first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, guiding the franchise to its 16th conference championship appearance and first since the 2018 season. The Patriots have now won nine consecutive divisional round playoff games.
For the Texans and coach DeMeco Ryans, the loss extends a painful historical streak. Houston is now 0-7 all-time in the divisional round of the playoffs and has been eliminated at this stage for three consecutive seasons. Stroud's difficult day saw him become the first player in postseason history with at least five interceptions and five fumbles in a single playoffs.
The Patriots now travel to face the Denver Broncos, who advanced after a win that saw their quarterback, Bo Nix, suffer a season-ending broken ankle. The AFC Championship game will determine which team earns a place in Super Bowl LIX.
