Maye throws 3 TD passes, Stroud has 4 INTs as Patriots top Texans 28-16 to advance to AFC title game

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by By KYLE HIGHTOWERJanuary 19, 2026 at 12:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In an NFL divisional playoff game on January 18, 2026, the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, leading his team to victory and a spot in the AFC title game. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled, throwing four interceptions. One of Stroud's interceptions was returned for a touchdown by Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones. Despite a touchdown pass from Stroud to Christian Kirk, the Texans' offense was ultimately unable to overcome the Patriots' strong defense and Maye's performance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kyle Williams 50% Christian Kirk 50% K’lavon Chaisson 50% Kamari Lassiter 50% Xavier Hutchinson 50% Marcus Jones 60% Foxborough, Massachusetts ×570% AFC title game 70% C.J. Stroud ×280% Drake Maye ×290% Houston Texans ×790% New England Patriots ×6100%

Keywords

nfl 90% patriots 90% texans 90% playoff game 80% football 80% interception 70% touchdown pass 70% afc title game 60% quarterback 60%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.10

Source Transparency

Source

Associated Press (AP)

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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nfl patriots texans playoff game football interception touchdown pass afc title game quarterback

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