Expert prediction
AFC Divisional Round: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Texans vs. Patriots total is 41.5 points.
- New England Patriots are 3-point favorites.
- The Houston Texans have smashed the Steelers in the Wild Card round, 30-6.
The Houston Texans are on fire, and they head to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots in the AFC Divisional round.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, January 18, 3 pm ET
- Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- How to Watch: ESPN, ABC
Texans vs. Patriots Odds
Texans vs. Patriots Preview
The Houston Texans have been fantastic lately, and the way they handled the Steelers in Pittsburgh, 30-6, tells us this team is ready for big achievements. They’ve outscored the Steelers 23-0 in the final period.
Houston’s defense was the primary weapon in this one, sacking Aaron Rodgers 4 times for 35 negative yards, holding him without any touchdown passes, and picking the 4-time NFL MVP once. He also fumbled the ball once.
As for the Patriots, they defeated the Chargers 16-3, though it was a tough, grueling game. The Pats broke the LAC in the second half, and we have to note that the hosts needed some time to figure out the guests. The defense did the job, sacking Herbert 6 times and forcing him to fumble once.
Drake Maye had a pick and a touchdown pass, and he fumbled the ball. Eventually, he ended the game with 268 yards through the air and 66 on the ground. Maye was the Pats’ top rusher.
Texans vs. Patriots Head to Head
The last game between the two was in 2024, when Houston won 41-21.
Texans vs. Patriots Predictions
Houston is in excellent shape, but Stroud isn’t as confident as many would like. As for the Pats, we get it that Maye is excellent, but let’s face it: he struggled against the Chargers, and his team had the weakest schedule this year. Therefore, this match will be all about defense, and we’re picking under 41.5 points.
- Free NFL Picks: Under 41.5 points
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