49ers Eliminated, AFC Divisional Spotlight: Texans vs Patriots
The 49ers’ season has officially come to an end after their Divisional Round loss to Seattle. With San Francisco no longer in the playoff picture, January football continues without the Red & Gold — but the road to Super Bowl LX rolls on.
For the 49ers Faithful, Sunday becomes a day to scout, observe, and study how the rest of the league handles playoff pressure as we begin looking ahead to the 2026 offseason.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
January 18, 2026
Foxborough, MA • Gillette Stadium
Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
🏈 AFC Divisional Round: Texans vs Patriots
While San Francisco watches from home, the AFC features one of the weekend’s most intriguing matchups. The #2 seed New England Patriots host the red-hot #5 seed Houston Texans in a game defined by elite defense, young quarterbacks, and playoff momentum.
The Matchup
New England Patriots (15–3)
The Patriots enter the Divisional Round with one of the NFL’s most punishing defenses.
They dominated the Chargers last week, recording six sacks and controlling the game from start to finish.
Quarterback Drake Maye has shown poise well beyond his years and has this offense peaking at the right time.
Houston Texans (13–5)
Houston arrives in Foxborough riding a 10-game winning streak.
C.J. Stroud continues to establish himself as one of the league’s elite young quarterbacks,
while the Texans’ defense dismantled the Steelers in the Wild Card round.
Key Storyline
Can the Patriots’ pass rush disrupt C.J. Stroud? New England defensive tackle Milton Williams has been a constant force in the middle, and the Patriots thrive on collapsing the pocket and forcing mistakes.
Houston, however, has proven capable of adjusting under pressure. If the Texans can protect Stroud just enough, this game could quickly swing in their favor.
What to Watch
- Stroud vs New England’s pressure packages
- Drake Maye’s poise against playoff-caliber defense
- Turnovers — mistakes will decide this game
- Field position in a cold-weather environment
For the Faithful
With the 49ers officially out, games like this become lessons. Roster depth, quarterback development, defensive identity — all the elements that separate contenders from champions are on display.
Every snap now shapes offseason narratives and future expectations. January football still matters, even when the Red & Gold aren’t on the field.
Facebook Engagement
The 49ers may be out, but the playoffs roll on! 🍿
Today, we’re locked into the AFC as the Patriots host the red-hot Texans.
New England’s defense brings the heat — but can they slow down C.J. Stroud?
Who are you rooting for in the AFC now that our season is over? Drop your picks below! 👇
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