Patriots eliminate Texans 28-16 in AFC divisional round as turnovers shape game on January 18, 2026

New England advances as Houston’s offense struggles to convert opportunities

The Houston Texans’ postseason ended Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a 28-16 road loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium. The game unfolded in wintry conditions and was defined by ball security issues on both sides, producing eight total turnovers and repeatedly shifting field position and momentum.

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud finished 20-of-47 passing for 212 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. All four interceptions came in the first half, placing the Texans in a constant chase despite a defensive performance that generated takeaways and limited sustained drives by New England.

How the game turned in the first half

New England’s defense created early separation by winning key downs and turning takeaways into points. A second-quarter interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Marcus Jones was the most decisive swing, changing a one-score game into a Patriots advantage that Houston could not erase.

Cornerback Carlton Davis III intercepted Stroud twice, while safety Craig Woodson added an interception and recorded a fumble recovery. The cumulative effect was a steady disruption of Houston’s passing rhythm, repeatedly ending possessions before they could develop into scoring drives.

Maye delivers touchdowns amid Patriots’ own turnover problems

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes while also committing turnovers. He finished 16-of-27 passing for 179 yards, with an interception and four fumbles, two of which were lost. Those mistakes helped keep Houston within reach, particularly as the Texans’ defense generated pressure and forced short possessions.

New England’s ability to produce touchdowns despite those miscues proved decisive, especially with Houston unable to consistently capitalize on favorable field position.

Late separation and a missed Houston opportunity

The Texans narrowed the margin with two field goals in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-16. Early in the fourth, New England extended its lead on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Kayshon Boutte, highlighted by a one-handed catch in the end zone after Boutte gained separation in coverage.

Houston’s final chance to close the gap ended on a fourth-down incompletion when a pass intended for Xavier Hutchinson was batted away by linebacker Robert Spillane. From there, New England managed the clock and field position to close out the win.

Key verified game facts

• Final score: Patriots 28, Texans 16 (AFC Divisional Round, January 18, 2026).
• Texans QB C.J. Stroud: 20-of-47, 212 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs (all in first half).
• Patriots QB Drake Maye: 16-of-27, 179 yards, 3 TD passes; 1 INT; 4 fumbles (2 lost).
• Patriots takeaways included 4 interceptions; Carlton Davis III recorded 2 of them; Marcus Jones returned an interception for a TD.
• New England advanced to the AFC Championship Game, set to face the Denver Broncos in Denver.

In a game dominated by defensive disruptions and turnovers, New England converted Houston’s passing errors into decisive points while surviving its own ball-security issues.