Patriots 28-16 Texans (Jan 18, 2026) Game Recap - ESPN
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Mike Vrabel returned to New England with a clear mission: to lead the franchise back into meaningful January games, a feat he achieved so often during his playing days. In his inaugural year as head coach, Vrabel aimed to foster a culture of players who would perform for each other, and his efforts paid off.
The Patriots, driven by Drake Maye's three touchdown passes, Marcus Jones' interception return for a score, and a dominant team effort, secured a 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans. This win propels the Patriots to the AFC Championship game for the first time in seven years, setting up an intriguing showdown with the Broncos in Denver next Sunday.
Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots as a playmaking linebacker, expressed his excitement for the team's performance. He noted, 'Everybody’s stepping up. We’re using everybody. Everybody’s making plays. Everybody’s helping us win.'
The Patriots, boasting a 16-3 record, are making their 16th conference championship game appearance and their first since the 2018 season, when they reached their sixth Super Bowl title under Bill Belichick. New England has won its last nine divisional round games, showcasing their resilience and consistency.
Despite the win, Maye's performance was not without flaws. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards but also threw an interception and fumbled the ball four times, losing two in the cold conditions with snow and rain. One of Maye's fumbles set up Houston's first touchdown, highlighting the importance of ball security.
Carlton Davis III and Craig Woodson were the defensive stars for New England, with Davis III intercepting two passes and Woodson adding an interception and fumble recovery. Maye praised his defense, stating, 'They bring it every week. It’s fun to watch. And we could help them out some more, but just proud of the guys.'
The game was a turnover-filled affair, with a combined eight turnovers by both teams, the most in a playoff game since 2015. The Texans, under coach DeMeco Ryans, have now lost in the divisional round in three straight seasons, falling to 0-7 in this stage of the playoffs.
Stroud, the Texans' quarterback, struggled with five interceptions and five fumbles, becoming the first player with such statistics in a single postseason. The Patriots, on the other hand, showcased their ability to capitalize on turnovers, with Jones scoring on an interception return for the second time this season.
In the fourth quarter, the Patriots extended their lead to 27-16 when Kayshon Boutte made a diving, one-handed catch in the end zone for a touchdown. The Texans, despite having the ball with 5:48 to play, punted on fourth-and-18 at their own 21, allowing the Patriots to maintain control.
The Patriots' early lead was established through a series of miscues by both teams. Maye was strip-sacked, but the Patriots recovered, and they capitalized on Houston's mistakes, with Davis III intercepting Stroud's deep pass. The Patriots' defense then forced a turnover on Houston's next drive, with Jones scoring on an interception return.
Injury updates: The Texans suffered losses with TE Dalton Schultz leaving in the first quarter and LG Tytus Howard limping off in the second. The Patriots also had their share of injuries, with LB Robert Spillane leaving in the first quarter but returning, and RB Rhamondre Stevenson leaving in the second quarter with an eye issue. Davis III also sustained a head injury in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots' next challenge awaits on the road, where they are 8-0 this season, and they are confident in their chances, as Maye stated, 'We feel like we deserve to be here. I like our chances with those guys in the locker room.'
