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Readers: How do you feel about the Patriots-Texans matchup?

What are the Patriots’ strengths and weaknesses as they face the Texans? Share with us.

The NE Patriots practiced on the Gillette Stadium practice field on Jan. 8, 2026. (John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff)

January 13, 2026

1 minute to read

The New England Patriots and Houston Texans are set to face off in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday at 3 p.m., as they battle for a spot in the AFC Championship Games — and possibly, the Super Bowl.

After securing a 30-6 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, the Texans will head to Gillette Stadium where they’ll take on the Patriots on Jan. 18.

The Patriots will have to bring their A-game against the Texans’ stellar defense, which takes the No. 1 spot in the NFL at 175 yards per game. For its part, the Patriots follow close behind in the No. 2 spot in the NFL with 207 yards per game.

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Boston.com’s Conor Ryan speculated Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye “might be forced to scramble early and often to avoid plenty of drive-killing sacks” by Houston, but that the Patriots’ success is fueled in large part by “Maye generating several explosive plays per game.”

“Sunday could be another rock fight where the second-year QB will need to choose his battles and limit turnovers given the limited amount of time he’ll have to operate in the pocket,” Ryan added.

When it comes to offense, Houston is far less dominant — which offers the Patriots’ new and improved defensive line the chance to shine.

“Preventing big plays and getting stops inside the red zone should set the Patriots up well,” said Boston Globe reporter Nicole Yang.

As the game approaches, we want to know what you make of the matchup. What are the Patriots’ strengths and weaknesses as they face the Texans? What’s your outlook on the game?

Tell us by filling out the form or e-mailing us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.

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