Why readers think the Patriots have the edge vs. the Texans

Readers Say

Most respondents like New England’s chances against Houston, though concerns about Drake Maye and the offensive line linger.

By Annie Jonas

January 16, 2026 | 2:59 PM

4 minutes to read

Sunday’s matchup between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans will be a nail-biter as they continue their NFL playoff run. Boston.com readers are feeling mostly upbeat about the game — though not without some nerves.

In an informal poll asking readers to weigh in on the matchup, a strong majority (71%) said they feel good about New England’s chances, while 29% said they feel negatively.

“I think the Patriots have the edge,” reader Bill from Hull said. “The Texans defense is great, but the Pats’ defense is nearly as strong. On the flip side the Pats have a much better offense than the Texans so I believe they will be victorious.”

Jeff from Natick said the Patriots’ confidence and all-around skillset makes them well-suited for a decisive win against the Texans: “The Patriots are hitting on all cylinders: defense, offense and special teams. As long as the team can keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum, there’s every reason to believe that the Pats can advance in the playoffs against the Texans.”

Still, not everyone is convinced. Some readers expressed concern about the Patriots’ rookie quarterback Drake Maye. 

“Drake Maye is still young and might have a hard time against an elite defense. The Patriots offensive line will have a hard time against the Houston pass rush,” Dave W. from Bridgewater said.

But even some cautious fans believe the Patriots can do enough to get by. “I feel confident,” Tommy S. from Killeen, Texas, wrote. “It will be a defensive battle but I think our offense will do just enough to get the job done.”

Below, readers share how they’re feeling about the Patriots-Texans playoff game.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

How do you feel about a Patriots-Texans matchup?

I feel positive

“Patriots’ defense will force the Texans’ offense into mistakes, penalties, and turnovers. Drake Maye will have a big puzzle to solve with the Texans’ excellent defense, but he will remain patient and poised while executing a smart game plan that counters the Texans’ aggressiveness. This game will be decided by ball security and penalties, with the Patriots using home field advantage to weather a tough opponent. If the Patriots can’t run the ball, Drake Maye will spread the ball to 9 different receivers and keep the chains moving. I am concerned about the Christian Gonzalez injury, but the Patriots front 7 will make it very difficult for Stroud to lead touchdown drives.” – Pete M., Marshfield

“I wanted to check both buttons. I love this team and how far they have come from last year, but after watching the Texans defense destroy offenses week after week, I’m concerned about the Patriots average-at-best offensive line’s ability to protect Drake Maye as well as Maye’s ability to avoid costly turnovers. I’m mildly optimistic. Growing up in New England and now living in a suburb an hour north of Houston, I’ll be proudly wearing my #10 jersey on Sunday.” – John D., The Woodlands, Texas

“The Texans are a tough team — defensively one of the toughest we’ll see. Offensively they’re pretty good also. If our defense plays like they did against the Chargers we will disrupt their timing, and offensively, I think we will make some great plays if the line gives Maye enough time to see the field. It’ll be a nail-biter on my end, but we will take it.” — Bill H., East Haven, Connecticut

“This game may come down to a battle of turnovers and field position. Neither team will do well offensively without help from the defense to set them up. The Patriots defense is peaking. Should be a great game but I pick the Patriots 23-20.” – Mark, Sutton

“The Pats will have to take every field goal they can get. They can’t take too many chances against Houston’s defense. I think they can break the game open in the fourth quarter as long as New England’s defense plays at a high level again.” – Brian W., Jackson, Michigan

“The Pats have been able to find some offense against the better defenses they have played. If they can slow the rush with some quick hitters, screens and leaking out the backs that could continue. The Texans offense should be limited by the defense so it should be winnable even without a lot of points.” – Alan N., Simsbury, Connecticut

“This won’t be pretty but I think the Pats will win a close game.  My main concern is the offensive line which struggled against the Chargers.  They will have another rough game, but Drake Maye can work around it enough for some great plays.  Hopefully Gonzo will be ready for the backfield.” — John M., Oak Bluffs

I feel negative

“1.) Our offensive line has been exposed. The two rookies on the left side may be in trouble in this matchup. Maye is not going to have time to throw and is going to get hammered a lot. 2.) Josh Mc is good but basically uncreative.  I think they would need to use every mis-direction and alternate play in the proverbial books to beat this Houston defense. New England’s long pass game won’t work this time around. 3.) Maye is excellent but still a very young quarterback in an advanced playoff game.” – S.M.S., formerly of Newton

“The Houston defense, run and pass, is aggressive and intimidating. They tackle well and are really fast in cutting off edge runs.” – Bill

“With less time in the pocket, will Drake Maye be able to adapt – scramble and quick throws with limited time for deep plays?” – Peter B., Cambridge

“I worry about Drake’s well being against that defense. The offensive line needs to have the game of a lifetime to win this.  I just don’t see it happening.” – Joey, Medford

Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.