FINAL: Divisional Playoff - Patriots 28, Texans 16 - New England returns to AFC title game

Divisional Playoff: Texans (12-5) at Patriots (14-3), 3 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium.
TV: ESPN/WCVB-5. Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color analyst), Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge (sidelines).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston (Bob Socci and Scott Zolak). **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Patriots media notes | Texans media notes | Flipcard
Latest Line: Patriots -3.5, 40.5 o/u

WEATHER REPORT

Chilly, wintry mix but not substantial snow until later/after the game.

INJURY REPORT

As usual, the Patriots have about perfect health compared to other postseason teams.

ROSTER MOVES

Patriots

CB Alex Austin has been activated to the 53-man roster from injured reserve.

Patriots elevated RB D’Ernest Johnson and DL Leonard Taylor III to the active roster from the practice squad.

Khyiris Tonga is ready to go.

Texans

None 

INACTIVES

Patriots

CB Kobee Minor
OLB Bradyn Swinson
OT Marcus Bryant
DT Eric Gregory
OG Caeden Wallace
TE CJ Dippre
QB Tommy DeVito (3rd QB)

Texans

WR Nico Collins
QB Graham Mertz
RB Jawhar Jordan
CB Alijah Huzzie
OT Trent Brown
WR Justin Watson

This is huge. Brown is the Texans' best pass protector. 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher will get the call.

STATS

BEDARD'S KEYS TO THE GAME AND GAME PICK