
Texans ride defense and Stroud into divisional showdown with Patriots
The Houston Texans, riding an NFL-best 10-game win streak, head into a divisional playoff against the New England Patriots behind a league-leading defense and a poised rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud (3,041 yards, 19 TDs in 14 starts). Houston's defense throttles opponents with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter rushing the passer and a ball-hawking secondary led by Derek Stingley Jr.; Stroud has also benefited from a productive supporting cast, though Nico Collins is in concussion protocol. Houston finished 12-5 and earned the fifth seed after a slow start, while New England, coached by Mike Vrabel in his first year, faces a tall task trying to slow Houston's unit and reach the AFC Championship.











