Matchup: No. 5 Houston Texans vs. No. 2 New England Patriots

Storyline: Houston’s defense was dominant in its Wild Card win and now travels to Gillette Stadium to face a Patriots squad that has its own defensive identity. This divisional game revives a rare postseason pairing between the two franchises.

Key Factors: Defensive matchup emphasis; Patriots’ home-field advantage and playoff experience under coach Mike Vrabel.

AFC Summary:
Two contrasting paths — the Broncos as the league’s top seed against a relentless Bills offense, and the Patriots hosting a Texans defense that is playing with momentum after a big Wild Card win. Winners advance to the AFC Championship Game on Jan 25.