San Antonio, TX, January 21, 2026
The Houston Texans faced another playoff defeat, losing 28-16 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. Quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled with four interceptions, while the team’s defense fought hard to keep it close. Despite earlier successes in the postseason, this loss marks their seventh consecutive defeat in the divisional round, leaving them as the only NFL team yet to advance to a conference championship game. The Texans will need to address turnover issues and improve their offensive consistency moving forward.
Houston Texans Fall Short Again in AFC Divisional Round
San Antonio, TX – The Houston Texans’ playoff hopes were dashed once again as they succumbed to the New England Patriots with a final score of 28-16 in the AFC Divisional Round on January 18, 2026. This disappointing loss extends the Texans’ record to an astonishing seven consecutive defeats in the divisional round, reinforcing their status as the only NFL team yet to advance to a conference championship game.
Game Overview
The Texans faced significant challenges in this playoff matchup, with their offense faltering under pressure. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four crucial interceptions in the first half, putting immense strain on the team. While the Texans’ defense managed to keep them within range by limiting the Patriots to a 21-10 lead at the halftime break, the mistakes made by the offense proved costly. The Patriots, capitalizing on the turnovers, secured their victory in the second half.
Key Moments
- First Quarter: The Patriots struck first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Drake Maye to DeMario Douglas. The Texans managed to answer with a field goal, trimming the lead to 7-3.
- Second Quarter: The Texans took a brief lead when Stroud connected with Christian Kirk for a touchdown, bringing the score to 10-7. However, the Patriots quickly responded with two touchdowns, including a pivotal pick-six by Marcus Jones, leading to a 21-10 halftime deficit.
- Third Quarter: In a promising turn, the Texans’ defense held the Patriots scoreless. Houston managed to add two field goals, narrowing the score to 21-16 and rekindling hopes for a comeback.
- Fourth Quarter: The Patriots solidified their lead with another touchdown, concluding the game at 28-16.
Player Performances
- C.J. Stroud: The Texans’ young quarterback completed 20 of 47 passes for 212 yards, recorded one touchdown, but struggled significantly with four interceptions.
- Drake Maye: The Patriots’ rookie quarterback showcased his potential with three touchdown passes, demonstrating calmness under pressure.
- Marcus Jones: The Patriots’ cornerback significantly influenced the game with a game-changing pick-six, exemplifying the effectiveness of the Patriots’ defense.
Season Recap
Despite this latest playoff disappointment, the Texans’ season was not without highlights. They achieved their first road playoff win with a commanding 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. This win was marked by an outstanding defensive performance, which included two defensive touchdowns. Nevertheless, the divisional round loss to the Patriots serves as a stark reminder of the hurdles the team must overcome to progress further in future postseason situations.
Looking Ahead
In light of their playoff exit, the Texans will need to focus on addressing key areas of improvement, particularly their turnover issues and the need for enhanced offensive consistency. The resilience the team displayed throughout the season should serve as a solid foundation as they aim for growth and success in the upcoming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Texans vs. Patriots game?
The New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 in the AFC Divisional Round on January 18, 2026.
How many interceptions did C.J. Stroud throw in the game?
C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half of the game against the Patriots.
What was the Texans’ record in the divisional round before this game?
Prior to this game, the Texans had a 0-6 record in the divisional round, making them the only NFL team yet to reach a conference championship game.
Who scored the Texans’ touchdown in the game?
Christian Kirk scored the Texans’ touchdown in the second quarter, connecting with C.J. Stroud for a touchdown pass.
What was the Texans’ performance in the Wild Card round?
The Texans secured their first road playoff win with a 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, highlighted by a dominant defensive performance.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Patriots 28, Texans 16 |
| Texans’ Turnovers | 4 interceptions by C.J. Stroud in the first half |
| Patriots’ Key Play | Marcus Jones’ pick-six interception |
| Texans’ Touchdown | Christian Kirk’s touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud |
| Texans’ Wild Card Performance | 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with two defensive touchdowns |
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