LIVE BLOG Texans vs. Patriots live updates: New England using running attack to run off some clock

We have two teams set for the AFC and NFC Championship Games next Sunday.

On Sunday, we find out the last two teams. And we begin in Foxborough, Mass., as the No. 2 seed New England Patriots (15-3) lock horns with the No. 5 Houston Texans (13-5).

The Patriots and Texans had easy wins in the Wild Card Round. Last Sunday night, the Pats took care of the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 while the Texans suffocating defense dispatched Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6.

It will be a battle of the best defense in the NFL against one of the best offenses led by MVP candidate Drake Maye.

Who gets it done and heads to Denver to face the Broncos?

Find out by following along with DAZN News’ live coverage below. If not, watch the game with NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excl. the US and China).

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Two-minute warningWe are at the two-minute warning, and the Patriots have the ball, leading the Texans 28-16.

14 mins ago06:05

What are the Texans doing?On fourth-and-18 and on their own side of the field, DeMeco Ryans told the Texans to get off the field and punted. Would love to know what went behind that decision. That’s basically conceding the game.

18 mins ago06:00

Great dive by the PatriotsThey had to punt, but the Patriots started at their own four. The Patriots went 44 yards on eight runs and two passes to knock off over six minutes of game clock.

With 5:48 to go, the Pats are up 28-16. The Texans need points and in a hurry.

37 mins ago05:42

Patriots extend lead on sensational catchDrake Maye hurls a perfect throw to Kayshon Boutte, who made a one handed catch for a 32-yard touchdown to extend the Patriots’ lead to 28-16 with just under 13 minutes left in the game.

KAYSHON BOUTTE WITH A UNREAL TD GRAB!#NFLonDAZN ▪️ #NEPats pic.twitter.com/1xD1nps66x

— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) January 18, 2026

End of the third quarterAfter three, the Patriots lead the Texans 21-16. The Texans outscored the Pats 6-0 in the quarter. If the Patriots can score, it should be the ball game.

Texans close the gapKa’imi Fairbairn blasts a 51-yard field goal to make it a five-point Patriots lead of 21-16 as we approach the end of the third quarter.

1 hours ago05:18

Texans fumble in the red zoneTexans running back Woody Marks was heading towards a first down and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Patriots safety Craig Woodson. It’s the Texans’ fifth turnover of the game and eighth overall.

Gonzo ripped it free pic.twitter.com/ypBq7tBsDH

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026

Drake Maye fumbles for the fourth time; Texans recover

For the fourth time, Maye fumbles for the fourth time, losing it for the second time, and the Texans have the ball.

This @HoustonTexans defense keeps causing chaos 💪 pic.twitter.com/FJGGoVPVF7

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026

What a turn of events as the Texans have the momentum.

Texans make it a one possession game

Instead of going for it on fourth down, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made the smart decision, and it paid off as Ka’imi Fairbairn made a 25-yard field goal to close the Patriots’ lead to 21-13.