2026 NFL Divisional Round Preview: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Analysis and Predictions
The Houston Texans, seeded fifth, are on a nine-game winning streak and will face the second-seeded New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL divisional round. The Texans advanced by defeating Pittsburgh 30-6, while the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card Round. Houston has a 12-5 record and a 109-point differential, while New England boasts a 14-3 record and a plus-170 point differential. The game will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET.
Houston will be missing wide receiver Nico Collins due to a concussion. The Patriots are favored by 3.5 points in the matchup, with an over-under of 40.5 total points. NFL expert Bruce Marshall has provided predictions for the 2026 NFL Divisional Round, offering insights into the Texans vs. Patriots game. Marshall has a strong track record in NFL picks, going 56-37-2 in his last 95 against the spread picks.
New England's quarterback, Drake Maye, has had an exceptional season, throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns with a rating of 113.5. He also rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns. Running backs Treveyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson have been key contributors to the Patriots' offense. Henderson rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while Stevenson added 603 yards and seven touchdowns.
On the Houston side, quarterback C.J. Stroud has thrown for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and rushed for 209 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Dalton Schultz has been a reliable target, catching 82 passes for 777 yards and three touchdowns. Marshall has analyzed the Texans vs. Patriots matchup thoroughly, providing insights on the point total and an X-factor that influences the spread.
For expert advice on which side to back in the Texans vs. Patriots game, visit SportsLine to access Marshall's picks. With a strong record in NFL predictions, Marshall's analysis can help guide your betting decisions. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make informed choices for this exciting divisional round matchup.