NFL Playoffs: Houston Texans v New England Patriots Bet Builder Tips

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Tyler Smith

An enthusiastic sports writer with a passion for Football, American Sports and Formula 1, bringing sharp insight and informed betting analysis to every weekend.

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NFL Playoffs - Houston Texans v New England Patriots

The NFL Divisional Round continues on Sunday as the New England Patriots host the Houston Texans in a high-stakes playoff clash with a place in the AFC Championship on the line. With both teams arriving in strong form, this matchup sets up as a fascinating contrast between Houston’s explosive, modern offense and New England’s traditionally disciplined, methodical approach to postseason football.

The Patriots return to familiar territory at home, where their defensive structure and situational awareness often shine brightest in January. New England will look to dictate the pace of the game, leaning on smart game management and forcing the Texans to sustain long drives rather than allowing quick strikes. Home-field advantage could prove pivotal in a contest where every possession carries weight.

Houston, however, arrive full of confidence after navigating their way through the Wild Card round with authority. The Texans’ ability to generate big plays and apply pressure on both sides of the ball makes them a genuine threat, even on the road. As momentum meets experience, this Divisional Round encounter has all the ingredients of a tightly contested playoff battle where execution under pressure will decide who moves one step closer to the Super Bowl.

Houston Texans v New England Patriots
8.68/1

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Houston Texans v New England Patriots - Match Preview

Key Matchups

Texans Passing Game vs Patriots Secondary
Houston’s offense is built around an aggressive, vertical passing game that looks to stress defenses at all three levels. The Patriots’ secondary will be tasked with limiting explosive plays and forcing the Texans to earn yards underneath. Tight coverage, smart communication, and disciplined tackling will be essential if New England are to prevent Houston from taking control through the air.

Patriots Run Game vs Texans Front Seven
New England’s most reliable path to offensive success could come on the ground. Sustaining drives through the run game would help control time of possession and keep Houston’s offense on the sideline. The Texans’ front seven, however, has the speed and physicality to disrupt that plan, making early-down efficiency a key battleground.

Quarterback Decision-Making Under Pressure
With playoff intensity and defensive pressure ramped up, both quarterbacks will be tested mentally as much as physically. The ability to read coverages quickly, avoid negative plays, and capitalise in the red zone could determine which team gains the upper hand in critical moments.

Tactical Preview

New England are likely to approach this game with patience and structure. Offensively, that means leaning on a balanced game plan designed to shorten the contest, avoid turnovers, and win situational football. Defensively, the Patriots will prioritise containment, disguising coverages and forcing Houston into longer drives where mistakes are more likely.

Houston’s tactical approach will centre on pace and pressure. Offensively, the Texans will look to stretch the field early and test New England’s coverage discipline, while defensively they’ll aim to disrupt timing through pressure packages and aggressive early-down play. If Houston can force the Patriots out of their comfort zone, the momentum could swing quickly.

As with many Divisional Round matchups, special teams, third-down efficiency, and red-zone execution loom large. In a game where points may be at a premium, winning the margins could prove decisive.

Players to Watch

New England Patriots

  • Drake Maye (QB): His composure and decision-making will be under the spotlight against an aggressive Texans defense.

  • Rhamondre Stevenson (RB): A key piece in controlling tempo and keeping the Patriots offense on schedule.

  • Christian Gonzalez (CB): Tasked with matching up against Houston’s top receiving threats in crucial moments.

Houston Texans

  • C.J. Stroud (QB): A poised and confident leader capable of elevating his play on the biggest stage.

  • Nico Collins (WR): A physical target who can tilt the game with explosive catches downfield.

  • Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE): A disruptive presence who could change the game with pressure and impact plays off the edge.

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Why Each Leg Makes Sense

Houston Texans +7.5 Handicap

This is an incredibly difficult game to predict as we would expect at this time of year in the playoffs. Patriots are favourites by some distance in terms of odds, which while I think they are a slightly better overall all round side, I dont currently have the patriots 3 point favourites. We take the insurance of the positive handicap for the Texans in what we expect to be an incredibly tight matchup.

Hunter Henry Anytime TD Scorer

Henry is a reliable target for the Patriots. The Texans are an elite defence however and their cornerbacks will likely have their eyes on Diggs & Boutte. This meaning Henry could have a free run into the endzone if Maye can find him.

Kayshon Boutte to record a 10+ yard reception 

Boutte see’s a couple of targets a game and will usually be pretty reliable with his hands to catch one for 10+ yards.

Will Anderson JR to record a Sack

Will Anderson JR is one of the best players in the league on the defensive side. He will be matching up on the tackles and LT Campbell can typically be pushed back into his QB for a sack.

Houston Texans v New England Patriots
8.68/1

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Where to Watch the NFL in the UK and the World

Watching the NFL in the UK

Sky Sports (Pay-TV and Streaming)

  • Sky Sports NFL has returned as the dedicated NFL channel for UK and Ireland audiences, launching September 1, 2025, under a new multi-year rights agreement running through 2027–28.

  • The deal brings a nearly 50% increase in live NFL coverage, including:

    • A second Sunday game at 6 p.m. local time

    • Up to two additional Sunday evening games at 9 p.m.

    • All London and European games

    • Thursday Night, Sunday Night, and Monday Night Football

    • NFL RedZone, Thanksgiving games, playoffs, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl LX coverage

  • You can access Sky Sports NFL via:

    • Sky satellite (channel 412)

    • Sky Stream (channel 410)

    • NOW (Sky’s no-contract streaming platform)

    • Virgin Media, among other third-party providers

Channel 5 / 5ACTION (Free-to-Air)

  • A new free-to-air broadcast deal lets UK viewers watch two live NFL games each Sunday:

    • One at 6 p.m. on Channel 5

    • Another at 9 p.m. on 5ACTION, which will be branded “5NFL” during NFL evenings

  • Coverage includes:

    • Super Bowl, London & Dublin Games, Thanksgiving, and selection playoff games

    • A family-friendly, interactive studio show called NFL: Big Game Night, hosted by Dermot O’Leary, Sam Quek, and Osi Umenyiora

DAZN – NFL Game Pass International

  • Through DAZN in the UK, you can subscribe to NFL Game Pass International, offering:

    • Live and on-demand access to every regular-season and playoff game, plus the Super Bowl

    • Full access to NFL RedZone, NFL Network shows, replays, and exclusive content like press conferences and analysis

  • Pricing in the UK is available via DAZN (typically around £169.99 annually or installments discounted)

  • Note: DAZN in the UK will broadcast two Sunday games per week on a 24-hour delay as part of simulcast rules


Watching the NFL Around the World (Outside the UK)

DAZN – NFL Game Pass International

  • Globally (excluding the USA & China), NFL Game Pass International remains the primary way to watch:

    • All regular-season and playoff games live and on-demand (~335 games per season)

    • NFL RedZone, NFL Network, plus archival content like documentaries and NFL originals

  • Available in countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and beyond with localized pricing

Region-Specific Broadcasters

  • Across Europe and other regions, several broadcasters hold local NFL rights:

    • Spain: DAZN

    • Germany/Austria/Switzerland: DAZN; RTL Deutschland also covers select games free-to-air

    • France: M6 Group and beIN Sports

    • Italy/Netherlands: DAZN and ESPN

    • Nordic countries: TV 2 Sport (Denmark), TV4 (Sweden/Finland)

    • More in: Portugal, Poland, Greece, Hungary, etc

NFL Sunday Ticket

  • Available in Canada on DAZN

  • Optionally in Mexico, Central America, South America & the Caribbean through platforms like Sky México, Vrio, and Vivo TV

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Houston Texans v New England Patriots
8.68/1

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