Texans vs New England Patriots match player stats from the AFC Divisional Playoff showed how turnovers shaped a 28-16 Patriots victory over Houston on January 18, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The Patriots advanced after Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, while C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions that changed the game’s direction.

Houston entered the game after finishing the regular season 12-5 and defeating Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round. New England arrived with a 14-3 record and home-field advantage. The Patriots used defensive takeaways and efficient passing to reach the AFC Championship Game.

Match Overview

Pre-Match Context

Houston entered the matchup with a strong defensive identity and momentum after winning nine straight regular-season games before the playoffs. The Texans relied on C.J. Stroud’s passing ability and a defense led by players such as Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

New England entered with one of the NFL’s best records and relied on rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s development. The Patriots offense had weapons including Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte.

Injuries affected both teams. Houston dealt with limitations involving offensive contributors, including Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. New England also managed several player availability issues during the postseason matchup.

Quarter by Quarter Score

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

New England opened the scoring with Drake Maye connecting with DeMario Douglas on a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Patriots converted a fourth-and-1 situation and immediately created pressure on Houston’s defense.

Houston answered with a Kai’imi Fairbairn field goal after a long drive. The Texans gained yards but struggled to finish possessions with touchdowns.

Second Quarter

Houston briefly controlled momentum when C.J. Stroud found Christian Kirk for a 10-yard touchdown. The score gave the Texans a 10-7 lead.

The Patriots defense then changed the game. Marcus Jones returned a Stroud interception for a touchdown, and Craig Woodson intercepted another pass. New England followed with a Drake Maye touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs.

The Patriots entered halftime leading 21-10 despite Houston’s defense forcing pressure on Maye.

Third Quarter

Houston reduced the deficit with two Fairbairn field goals. The Texans defense continued creating opportunities, including pressure from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

However, Houston could not convert those defensive stops into touchdowns. New England’s defense continued protecting the lead by limiting explosive plays.

Fourth Quarter

The Patriots finished the game with a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown. Drake Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte on a 32-yard touchdown pass despite tight coverage from Derek Stingley Jr.

Houston had opportunities late but failed to complete the comeback. The Patriots defense stopped a fourth-down attempt, ending the Texans’ season.

Team Stats Comparison

Key Numbers That Decided the Game

• C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions, and New England converted those mistakes into points and field position advantages.
• Marcus Jones returned one interception for a touchdown, creating a 14-point swing during the second quarter.
• Drake Maye completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
• Houston held New England scoreless in the third quarter but scored only field goals during that period.
• Kayshon Boutte’s 32-yard fourth-quarter touchdown gave New England a two-score lead that Houston could not overcome.

Why New England Won Despite Turnovers From Drake Maye

The Patriots survived their own mistakes because their defense consistently created bigger moments. Drake Maye lost fumbles during the game, but New England’s defense forced four interceptions from C.J. Stroud.

The difference came from points after turnovers. Houston’s mistakes directly changed the scoreboard, while New England recovered from its offensive errors.

The Turnover Battle That Decided the Game

The Texans moved the ball but failed to protect possessions. Stroud completed 20 of 47 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions.

Those interceptions created short fields and a defensive touchdown for New England. The Patriots did not need a large yardage advantage because their defense created scoring opportunities.

What C.J. Stroud’s Performance Actually Meant

Stroud’s passing yardage showed Houston could gain movement through the air, but the interceptions prevented sustained drives.

The Texans stayed within one score entering the fourth quarter because their defense kept competing. The offense could not produce the final scoring drive needed to challenge New England.

Houston Texans Player Performance Breakdown

C.J. Stroud, Quarterback

Passing: 20/47, 212 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT | Rushing: 2 carries, 11 yards

C.J. Stroud moved the ball at times, but his four interceptions became the defining part of Houston’s playoff loss. The first half created the biggest problem, as New England repeatedly turned defensive stops into scoring opportunities.

Stroud’s interception returned for a touchdown by Marcus Jones changed the momentum completely. Houston had taken a 10-7 lead, but the pick-six immediately gave New England control again.

The Texans quarterback continued attacking after halftime, but the turnovers prevented Houston from completing a comeback. His 212 passing yards showed production, but the interceptions affected every important possession.

Woody Marks, Running Back

Rushing: 14 carries, 17 yards | Receiving: 2 receptions, 19 yards

Woody Marks struggled to create running lanes against New England’s front seven. Houston finished with limited rushing production, which allowed the Patriots defense to focus heavily on Stroud.

Marks also lost a critical fumble during the second half. The turnover stopped a Houston scoring opportunity while the Texans were trying to close the gap.

His receiving work added short-yardage production, but the rushing struggles limited Houston’s offensive balance.

Nick Chubb, Running Back

Rushing: 4 carries, 14 yards

Nick Chubb provided limited rushing involvement as Houston searched for consistency on the ground.

His biggest moment came during the second half when a fumble ended a promising Texans possession. New England recovered and avoided giving Houston another scoring chance.

The Texans needed longer offensive drives, but the running game could not provide enough support.

Christian Kirk, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 2 receptions, 20 yards, 1 TD

Christian Kirk gave Houston its offensive highlight when he caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stroud in the second quarter.

That touchdown temporarily gave the Texans a 10-7 advantage. However, Houston struggled to continue producing explosive plays after the score.

Kirk’s touchdown showed Houston could attack the Patriots secondary, but the offense could not maintain efficiency throughout four quarters.

Jayden Higgins, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 6 receptions, 59 yards

Jayden Higgins became Houston’s leading receiver by yardage. He provided Stroud with a reliable option during a difficult passing day.

His production helped Houston move between the 20-yard lines, but the offense struggled to convert those opportunities into touchdowns.

Higgins’ performance showed Houston could generate completions, but turnovers prevented those plays from creating enough points.

Dalton Schultz, Tight End

Receiving: 2 receptions, 47 yards

Dalton Schultz created Houston’s biggest early passing play with a 42-yard reception.

However, his injury limited his involvement after making that impact play. His absence reduced Houston’s available options in the passing game.

The Texans relied more heavily on younger receivers after Schultz left the matchup.

Xavier Hutchinson, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 4 receptions, 44 yards

Xavier Hutchinson contributed several receptions but also became involved in a critical turnover sequence.

A pass that went through his hands resulted in another Stroud interception. That mistake gave New England another possession during a key second-quarter stretch.

Houston Texans Defensive Standouts

Will Anderson Jr.

Defense: 3 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Will Anderson Jr. created consistent pressure against Drake Maye.

His pass rush forced mistakes and helped Houston keep the game close despite offensive struggles.

Anderson’s production showed the Texans defense could disrupt New England, but the offense could not convert enough opportunities.

Danielle Hunter

Defense: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Danielle Hunter helped Houston pressure Maye throughout the game.

His ability to reach the quarterback contributed to New England’s offensive difficulties, especially during the third quarter.

The Texans defense created chances, but those stops did not produce enough points.

New England Patriots Player Performance Breakdown

Drake Maye, Quarterback

Passing: 16/27, 179 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Drake Maye delivered three touchdown passes while handling Houston’s defensive pressure.

His first touchdown came on a fourth-and-1 play when he found DeMario Douglas for a 28-yard score. Later, he connected with Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte for touchdowns that extended New England’s lead.

Maye also lost turnovers, but his ability to create scoring plays separated him from Stroud in the final result.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Running Back

Rushing: 16 carries, 70 yards

Rhamondre Stevenson provided New England’s strongest rushing production.

His fourth-quarter carries helped the Patriots control possession and protect their lead.

The Patriots used Stevenson’s running ability to reduce pressure on Maye during the closing minutes.

Kayshon Boutte, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 3 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD

Kayshon Boutte delivered the game-sealing play with a 32-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

The catch gave New England a 28-16 advantage and ended Houston’s comeback attempt.

Boutte’s limited reception total did not matter because his biggest play arrived at the most important moment.

Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 4 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD

Stefon Diggs provided Maye with a reliable red-zone target.

His second-quarter touchdown helped New England rebuild momentum after Houston briefly moved ahead.

Diggs’ experience helped the Patriots create scoring opportunities during a turnover-heavy game.

DeMario Douglas, Wide Receiver

Receiving: 2 receptions, 36 yards, 1 TD

DeMario Douglas opened the scoring with a 28-yard touchdown reception.

That play gave New England an early lead and showed the Patriots’ willingness to attack Houston’s secondary on important downs.

His touchdown started the scoring pattern that carried New England forward.

New England Patriots Defensive Performance Breakdown

Marcus Jones, Cornerback

Defense: 1 interception, 1 interception return touchdown

Marcus Jones produced the biggest defensive moment of the game when he intercepted C.J. Stroud and returned the pass for a touchdown in the second quarter.

The play came after Houston had taken a 10-7 lead. Jones’ return immediately changed the scoreboard and gave New England back control.

The interception was one of the main reasons the Patriots won despite allowing Houston to create several offensive drives.

Craig Woodson, Safety

Defense: 1 interception

Craig Woodson contributed another important turnover by intercepting Stroud during the second quarter.

His play continued New England’s defensive pressure and prevented Houston from building offensive rhythm.

The Patriots secondary consistently created problems for Houston’s passing attack.

Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback

Defense: Coverage impact

Christian Gonzalez helped limit Houston’s outside passing opportunities.

He defended multiple targets and forced Houston to rely on shorter completions.

The Patriots secondary maintained pressure throughout the game by preventing explosive plays.

Robert Spillane, Linebacker

Defense: Run support and coverage

Robert Spillane led New England’s defensive effort in tackles.

His involvement helped slow Houston’s rushing attack and limited the Texans’ ability to create balanced offensive possessions.

Harold Landry III, Linebacker

Defense: Pass rush pressure

Harold Landry III added pressure against C.J. Stroud and contributed to Houston’s difficult passing environment.

New England’s defensive front forced quick decisions and created opportunities for the secondary.

Starting Lineups

Injury Report

Houston entered the matchup dealing with offensive availability concerns. Nico Collins’ limitations affected the Texans’ receiving options, while Dalton Schultz leaving the game reduced Stroud’s experienced targets.

New England entered healthier overall but managed several players through the postseason schedule. The Patriots’ depth allowed them to maintain offensive production.

Why New England Won Despite Houston’s Defensive Pressure

Houston created consistent pressure against Drake Maye, but New England avoided long offensive droughts.

The Patriots scored touchdowns on key possessions while Houston settled for field goals after defensive stops.

New England’s ability to create turnovers became the deciding factor. The Patriots’ defense changed possession into points, while Houston’s defense could not produce the same scoring impact.

What the Turnover Numbers Actually Tell Us

The final score was not decided by total yardage. It was decided by possession value.

Houston gained enough passing yards to compete, but four interceptions created impossible situations.

New England’s offense produced only 179 passing yards, yet three touchdown passes gave the Patriots efficient scoring production.

The difference came from execution near scoring areas and protecting possessions.

The Final Minutes That Closed the Game

Houston entered the fourth quarter trailing by five points after reducing New England’s advantage.

The Patriots responded with a long scoring drive that ended with Maye’s touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.

Houston needed a touchdown drive afterward but could not convert its final opportunities.

New England controlled the remaining clock and secured a place in the AFC Championship Game.

Season Series and Head-to-Head History

The Texans and Patriots have met multiple times during the regular season and playoffs. New England historically held an advantage before this postseason matchup.

The rivalry included several playoff meetings, with the Patriots winning important postseason games during the Tom Brady era.

Conference Standings Before Matchup

New England entered as the higher seed after finishing the regular season with the AFC’s top record.

Houston reached the divisional round after winning its Wild Card matchup but faced the challenge of playing at Gillette Stadium.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Fans could watch the AFC Divisional matchup through CBS broadcast coverage and official streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Texans vs New England Patriots match player stats explain a game decided by turnovers, defensive scoring, and efficient touchdown production. New England advanced with a 28-16 victory because its defense repeatedly created opportunities and Drake Maye converted important possessions into points.

Houston’s defense kept the game competitive, but C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions prevented the Texans from finishing drives. The Patriots moved forward in the AFC playoffs, while Houston entered the offseason evaluating how to improve offensive consistency in high-pressure games.

New England’s next challenge came in the AFC Championship Game, while Houston focused on developing its young roster after another postseason appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the Texans vs New England Patriots match player stats?

The Texans vs New England Patriots match player stats showed C.J. Stroud throwing four interceptions, while Drake Maye produced three touchdown passes in New England’s 28-16 playoff victory.

Who was the top performer for the Patriots against the Texans?

Drake Maye led the Patriots offense with three touchdown passes, while Marcus Jones created the biggest defensive play with an interception return touchdown.

How many interceptions did C.J. Stroud throw against New England?

C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions against the Patriots, including a second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown by Marcus Jones.

Did Houston Texans have a chance to win the game?

Houston remained within one score entering the fourth quarter, but turnovers prevented the Texans from completing a comeback against New England.

How did Drake Maye perform against the Texans defense?

Drake Maye completed 16 passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns and one interception despite facing pressure from Houston’s defensive line.

Who scored touchdowns for the Patriots?

DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, and Kayshon Boutte recorded receiving touchdowns for New England during the playoff victory.

Where can fans find complete Texans vs Patriots statistics?

Fans can find complete Texans vs New England Patriots match player stats through official NFL box scores, ESPN statistics, and team game summaries.