Patriots Take Care of Business to Advance to the AFC Championship

The New England Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship Game with a 28–16 win over the Houston Texans in frigid, wintry conditions at Foxborough. In a game defined by mistakes and defensive plays, the teams combined for eight turnovers, the most in a playoff game since 2016. The victory sends New England to face the Denver Broncos next Sunday with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.

Drake Maye led the Patriots with three touchdown passes, finishing 16-of-27 for 179 yards. While he was far from flawless, fumbling four times, losing two, throwing a Hail Mary interception, and taking five sacks, Maye delivered key plays when needed, including a highlight 32-yard touchdown to Kayshon Boutte in the second half. His improved performance after halftime helped New England maintain control despite the sloppy conditions.

The Patriots’ defense was the difference. New England forced five turnovers, intercepted C.J. Stroud four times in the first half, sacked him three times, and scored a decisive second-quarter pick-six. K’Lavon Chaisson’s pressure helped create the interception returned for a touchdown by Marcus Jones, symbolizing a dominant defensive effort against a Texans offense that never found rhythm.

Stroud endured one of the worst playoff performances of his career, completing 20 of 47 passes for 212 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Houston’s problems were compounded by injuries, as tight end Dalton Schultz exited early with a calf injury and leading receiver Nico Collins missed the game due to a concussion, leaving Stroud short on reliable targets.

With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–0 all-time against the Texans in the postseason and reached the conference championship game for the 16th time since 1970, tying the Steelers for second-most in that span. New England now turns its attention to Denver, aiming for another Super Bowl appearance.