Patriots rooting guide for divisional round: Saturday edition - Pats Pulpit
NFL Playoffs 2025: New England Patriots Look to Stay Undefeated Against Houston Texans
The 2025 NFL season is heating up, with only eight teams remaining in the playoff hunt. The New England Patriots, AFC East champions, will be looking to keep their winning streak alive as they host the Houston Texans on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
Patriots' Path to Victory
The Patriots have been one of the most dominant teams in the league this season, with a strong offense and defense that has propelled them to the top of the AFC East standings. Led by their seasoned quarterback, Mac Jones, the team has shown incredible resilience and determination, bouncing back from setbacks and injuries to stay atop their division.
This Sunday's matchup against the Texans will be a crucial test for the Patriots, as they look to continue their winning ways. The Texans, however, have been no pushover themselves, with a talented roster that has given teams like the Patriots fits in the past.
Houston Texans: The Underdog Story
The Houston Texans, on the other hand, are looking to pull off an upset of epic proportions. Despite being a 3-point underdog against the Patriots, they have shown a resolute determination to overcome their opponents. With quarterback Davis Mills at the helm, the Texans have been playing some of the best football in the league, consistently moving the ball down the field and putting pressure on their opponents.
The Texans' defense has also been a force to be reckoned with, holding teams like the Patriots to under 20 points per game. If they can replicate that performance against the Patriots, they may just have a chance to pull off an upset for the ages.
Key Matchup: Mac Jones vs. Davis Mills
The matchup between Mac Jones and Davis Mills will be one of the most closely watched in the entire NFL season. Both quarterbacks have proven themselves to be top-tier players, with the ability to make plays with their legs and arm.
Jones, with his experience and poise under pressure, has been a leader on the Patriots' offense, consistently delivering clutch performances when it matters most. Mills, meanwhile, has shown incredible growth and development as a quarterback, with the ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions that have saved the Texans from certain defeat.
The X-Factor: Patriots' Defense
One of the key factors in the Patriots' success this season has been their defense, which has been one of the stingiest units in the league. With players like Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler patrolling the secondary, the Patriots have been able to shut down opponents' offenses and limit scoring opportunities.
If the Texans can find a way to move the ball against the Patriots' defense, they may just have a chance to pull off an upset. However, if the Patriots are able to contain Mills and the Texans' offense, their chances of winning will be greatly increased.
Conclusion
This Sunday's matchup between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing games of the 2025 NFL season. With only eight teams remaining in the playoff hunt, the stakes are high, and every game counts. If the Patriots can stay focused and deliver a dominating performance against the Texans, they will be well on their way to securing another championship. But if the Texans can pull off an upset, it could send shockwaves throughout the league.
Prognosis
- New England Patriots: 62% chance of winning
- Houston Texans: 38% chance of winning
Prediction
The Patriots will emerge victorious in a closely contested game, with Mac Jones delivering a clutch performance to secure the win. Final score: Patriots 24, Texans 20.
Game Details
- Date: Sunday, [insert date]
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: NBC