The New England Patriots are back in the playoff spotlight, and for the first time since 2018, they're one win away from an AFC Championship Game appearance. After dispatching the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, their next test is a red-hot Houston Texans team riding the NFL’s longest active win streak. If the Patriots want to keep their postseason run alive, they’ll need a full-team effort-and a few key players will have to rise to the moment.
Let’s break down the six Patriots who’ll be under the brightest lights on Sunday afternoon.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
If New England is going to keep Houston’s aggressive defense honest, it starts with Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots’ lead back has been rounding into form at just the right time, and his role on Sunday won’t just be about racking up rushing yards-it’ll be about versatility and ball security.
Stevenson will lead a backfield that also features rookie TreVeyon Henderson, but don’t be surprised if the veteran sees the lion’s share of snaps. Why? Two big reasons: his ability to contribute in the passing game-especially on screens, an area where Houston has shown some vulnerability-and his elite pass protection, which will be crucial against a Texans front that thrives on pressure.
And then there's the weather. With snow in the forecast, ball security becomes even more critical.
Stevenson has cleaned up the fumble issues that plagued him earlier in the season, going 10 straight games without a miscue. But with playoff stakes this high, every touch matters.
Kayshon Boutte, WR
Kayshon Boutte already has a highlight-reel moment against the Texans-his first career touchdown came against All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. earlier this season. Now, the third-year wideout gets another shot at Houston’s secondary, and his deep-threat ability could be a game-changer.
Boutte has become New England’s go-to vertical target, averaging 16.7 yards per catch and hauling in four receptions of 30+ yards this season. That’s significant against a Texans defense that, while strong overall, has been susceptible to big plays through the air-allowing 19 completions of 30 or more yards this season.
Drake Maye isn’t afraid to take shots downfield, and if he does, look for Boutte to be the one stretching the field and testing Houston’s corners. His matchup with Stingley Jr. will be one to watch all afternoon.
Hunter Henry, TE
Captain. Red zone threat.
Safety valve. Hunter Henry has been all of the above for the Patriots this season-and he’s doing it at a career-best level.
With 63 catches, 832 yards, and a team-leading eight touchdowns, Henry has become the most reliable skill-position player in New England’s offense. Against Houston, his role becomes even more critical. The Texans’ defensive front is no joke, so having a tight end who can both block and release as a passing option is a luxury.
Henry’s ability to work the seams and attack the middle of the field will be essential, especially if the Texans try to bring pressure. Expect New England to lean on him both as a pass catcher and as a key cog in the blocking scheme.
Will Campbell (LT) & Morgan Moses (RT)
Houston’s edge rushers are a nightmare. Between All-Pro talents Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, the Texans have put up 28.5 sacks and a staggering 187 quarterback pressures this season. That’s more than 10 pressures per game from just two players.
That puts New England’s tackles-rookie Will Campbell on the left and veteran Morgan Moses on the right-squarely in the crosshairs.
Anderson typically lines up against right tackles, so Moses will have his hands full. But the spotlight might be even brighter on Campbell.
The rookie struggled last week, giving up five disruptions including a sack against the Chargers. If he doesn’t bounce back with a stronger showing, it could spell trouble for Maye and the entire offense.
The Patriots will likely give Campbell help-tight ends, extra linemen, you name it-but at some point, he’ll have to win his one-on-ones. If either tackle falters, Houston’s pass rush could take over the game.
Marcus Jones, CB
The Texans may be without top wideout Nico Collins, but that doesn’t mean their passing game lacks firepower. Christian Kirk stepped up in a big way last week, torching the Steelers for 144 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. He’s fast, crafty, and dangerous after the catch-exactly the kind of receiver who can cause problems if left unchecked.
Enter Marcus Jones.
The Patriots’ slot corner has been playing lights-out football, and he’ll likely draw the Kirk assignment on Sunday. Last week, he effectively erased Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey, and he’ll need a similar performance against Kirk. Whether it’s staying tight in coverage or making sound tackles in space, Jones will be tasked with limiting one of Houston’s most dynamic weapons.
If he succeeds, it could force C.J. Stroud to look elsewhere-and that’s exactly what New England wants.
The Bottom Line
The Patriots are stepping into a tough environment against a team that hasn’t lost in over two months. But this is playoff football, and upsets happen when key players deliver in key moments. If Stevenson can control the ground game, if Boutte can stretch the field, if Henry continues to be a security blanket, and if the offensive tackles can hold their ground, New England has a shot.
And if Marcus Jones can take away one of Stroud’s favorite targets? That might just be the edge the Patriots need to punch their ticket to the AFC Championship Game.
One win away. Let’s see who steps up.