"The #Texans No. 1-ranked defense is unreal #PatriotsHunter: 15 Sacks, 15 TFLWAJ: 12 Sacks, 20 TFLAAS: 104 TacklesTo'oto'o: 95 Tackles, 2.5 SacksStingley: 4 INT, 52.3% allowedLassiter: 4 INT, 57% allowed, 91 TacklesBullock: 4 INT, 47.1% allowedPitre: 4 INT- Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) January 13, 2026"
"The Texans defense will be a major challenge for New England Despite their offensive mediocrity, the Texans have made it this far for a reason: their stellar defense. Between Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on the edge, Azeez Al-Shaair racking up over 100 tackles at linebacker, and Derek Stingley on the back end, there aren't many holes on Houston's squad."
"Beyond the elite defensive play from Houston on Monday night, they've shown an innate ability to force turnovers. They're third in the league in takeaways, forcing 1.7 a game. 1.1 of those turnovers per game come via interceptions."
Both teams produced unimpressive offensive performances in the Wildcard Round. New England scored 16 points with a single touchdown by Hunter Henry. Houston's 30-6 final score belied a closer game that featured two defensive touchdowns and a 7-6 score late in the third quarter. The Patriots rank second in scoring this season, while the Texans finished 13th in points per game, buoyed by a 30.2 PPG stretch in their final four matchups after averaging 21.8 PPG in their first 13 games. Houston's defense ranks first, excels at forcing turnovers, and features edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and corner Derek Stingley.
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