FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, Marcus Jones returned one of C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions for a score and the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 on Sunday to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in seven years.

In the second half, Stroud was far better at protecting the football, but what was DeMeco Ryan's message to his young quarterback after maybe the worst half of football he's ever played in the NFL? “Keep your head up, I love you," Ryans said via NFL Network's Jane Slater.

All of this has made them the favorite heading into the game and also helped Texas Monthly’s Dan Solomon formulate a controversial opinion: The Texans, not the Cowboys, are America’s Team. Solomon joined the Standard to defend his hot take. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

Richard Sherman believes that the Houston Texans defense is good enough to win the game against the New England Patriots.

Now, take note, the 2025 Patriots are a surprisingly good team. Drake Maye is playing at a high level, their defensive tackle tandem are wrecking games and head coach Mike Vrabel is to New England what Demeco Ryans is to Houston: former star player turned into star head coach.

Houston’s home opponents for 2026 are Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, the New York Giants and Buffalo. The road opponents will be Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, the Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay.

The Patriots' defense put on a show, forcing five turnovers in the victory at snowy Gillette Stadium. Next up is the Broncos, who will be without their starting quarterback.

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots play in Foxborough for the right to go to the AFC Championship game.