Did the Patriots win today in their AFC Divisional Round matchup? Yes — the New England Patriots beat the Houston Texans 28–16 on Sunday, January 18, 2026, advancing to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in seven years. The Patriots’ win answered the question did the Patriots win today in emphatic fashion in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The playoff atmosphere was electric at Gillette Stadium, and New England delivered a performance defined by timely offense, opportunistic defense, and clutch plays down the stretch. This victory puts the Patriots one step closer to the Super Bowl and gives fans plenty to celebrate.
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Final Score: Patriots 28, Texans 16
The Patriots secured a 28–16 win over the Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. New England took an early lead, extended it through key scoring drives, and kept Houston at bay with a strong defensive effort throughout the game.
Here’s how the scoring unfolded:
- New England Patriots: 28
- Houston Texans: 16
This win sends the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game next Sunday against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Colorado.
Standout Performances in Today’s Win
Quarterback Leadership
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was at the center of New England’s offense. Despite tough weather and multiple turnovers, he threw three touchdown passes, finding his playmakers when it mattered most. Maye connected with his receivers on key third downs and showed poise under pressure in critical moments.
Defense Dominates
The Patriots defense was a decisive factor in the game. They consistently disrupted the Texans’ offense, forcing multiple turnovers — including four interceptions. Those takeaways stifled Houston’s momentum and set up the offense with favorable field position.
One of the defensive highlights was a pick-six that energized the crowd and helped swing momentum firmly in New England’s favor.
Memorable Offensive Plays
A highlight moment came in the fourth quarter when wide receiver Kayshon Boutte hauled in a one-handed touchdown catch on a deep pass from Maye. That score effectively sealed the win for the Patriots and showcased their playmaking ability in tight moments.
Key Game Statistics
Here’s a quick snapshot of how the Patriots and Texans compared in this crucial playoff game:
Patriots (28)
- 3 touchdown passes from the quarterback
- Multiple defensive interceptions
- Strong red-zone execution
Texans (16)
- Scored in early drives
- Struggled to overcome turnovers
- Offense limited in second half
The Patriots’ balanced effort on offense and defense proved to be the difference, with New England controlling the flow and tempo of the game.
What This Win Means for the Patriots
The result of did the Patriots win today was clear: they did more than win — they dominated in the second half and earned a crucial playoff victory. This game marked:
- Patriots’ return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2018 season.
- A statement performance against a talented Texans team.
- A continuation of New England’s resurgence under their current coaching staff.
With this win, the Patriots now shift focus to the next challenge: facing the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Looking Ahead: AFC Championship Game
New England’s playoff run continues next Sunday. The Patriots will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The matchup is set for a 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff, and expectations are high as New England aims to extend its playoff success.
Fans across the nation are asking one question as the next game approaches: Can the Patriots win again next week and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl?
Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the Patriots’ big win and whether you think they can go all the way!
