Texans Make History - and Eye Even More
The Houston Texans just checked off a major milestone: their first-ever playoff win on the road. And now, with momentum on their side and a defense that’s peaking at just the right time, they’re staring down another historic opportunity - a shot at the franchise’s first trip to the AFC Championship Game.
For a team that’s had its share of heartbreak in January - including that infamous 24-0 lead that evaporated against the Chiefs six years ago - this moment feels different. This version of the Texans isn’t just happy to be here. They’re built to compete, and they’re showing it.
Their dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers in the wild-card round wasn’t just a statement - it was a warning to the rest of the AFC. Houston’s defense swarmed, suffocated, and dictated the tempo from the opening snap.
And while questions remain about the availability of standout wide receiver Nico Collins heading into the next round, there’s no question about the identity of this team. They’re tough, they’re physical, and they’re not backing down from anyone.
Next Up: A Trip to Foxborough
The road doesn’t get any easier. The Texans now head to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots in Sunday’s early divisional-round matchup.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call.
Fans can also catch the action via the ESPN app or through Fubo’s live stream.
This will be Houston’s second straight road test in the postseason, and they’ll be facing a Patriots team that just held the Chargers to a mere three points in their own wild-card win. Foxborough in January is never an easy assignment, but the Texans are riding a wave of confidence - and they’ve already proven they can handle the pressure of the postseason spotlight.
AFC Playoff Picture: The Road Ahead
The Texans-Patriots clash is the first of Sunday’s doubleheader. Later that evening, the Rams will take on the Bears in the NFC bracket. Saturday’s action features the Bills hosting the Broncos and the 49ers squaring off against the Seahawks.
Here’s a quick look at how the playoff schedule is shaping up:
Wild-Card Round Results
- Rams 34, Panthers 31
- Bears 31, Packers 27
- Bills 27, Jaguars 24
- 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3
- Texans 30, Steelers 6
Divisional Round
- Saturday, January 17
- Bills vs. Broncos - 4:30 p.m.
ET (CBS)
- 49ers vs.
Seahawks - 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Sunday, January 18 Texans vs.
Patriots - 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Rams vs. Bears - 6:30 p.m.
ET (NBC)
Championship Sunday
- AFC Championship - 3:00 p.m.
ET (CBS)
- NFC Championship - 6:30 p.m.
ET (FOX)
Super Bowl
- 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
What’s at Stake
For Houston, this isn't just another playoff run - it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative. A win in Foxborough would put them in uncharted territory: one step away from the Super Bowl. And while the Patriots are no strangers to this stage, the Texans are playing with the kind of edge and hunger that makes them a dangerous out.
Their defense is flying around. Their offense, even with injuries, is finding rhythm. And they’re carrying the confidence of a team that believes it belongs.
Sunday in Foxborough won’t be easy. But if the Texans can keep playing like they did against Pittsburgh - fast, fearless, and fundamentally sound - history might not be done with them just yet.