Patriots beat Texans 28-16, advance to AFC Championship for first time in seven years

The New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16, advancing to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in seven years.

Why it matters: This win marks a significant turnaround for the Patriots, who had been absent from the championship discussion in recent seasons. They have also now won their last nine divisional round games, reinforcing their reputation as a postseason powerhouse.

• The victory not only affirms the team's resilience but also highlights the struggles of the Texans, who have failed to progress past the divisional round for three consecutive seasons and remain winless in this round historically.

What’s new: Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots with an impressive performance, throwing three touchdown passes despite encountering some difficulties with turnovers.

• Maye completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards, along with one interception and four fumbles—two of which were lost. His ability to rebound from mistakes was crucial in securing the win against the Texans.

By the numbers: The game featured a remarkable total of eight turnovers, the most recorded in a playoff game since 2015, indicating a chaotic and tense atmosphere on the field.

• C.J. Stroud's disappointing performance stood out as he threw one touchdown and four interceptions, becoming the first player in NFL history to have five or more interceptions and five or more fumbles in a single postseason.

What to watch: The defensive efforts of both teams were pivotal, particularly those of the Patriots, who capitalized on Stroud's mistakes.

• Marcus Jones returned one of Stroud's interceptions for a touchdown, while Carlton Davis III and Craig Woodson also contributed with multiple takeaways, showcasing the effectiveness of New England's defensive scheme.

Zoom In: Kayshon Boutte's diving, one-handed touchdown catch in the fourth quarter not only sealed the victory for the Patriots but also highlighted his emerging role as a key playmaker.

• This clutch reception underscored the Patriots' ability to execute under pressure and provided a glimpse into their potential offensive dynamism moving forward.

The bottom line: With this victory, the Patriots are poised to challenge for greater honors in the playoffs, while the Texans must reassess their strategy after another early exit, focusing on turning the tide in future postseason appearances.