New England Patriots vs Houston Texans betting tips and predictions for NFL playoff clash

Both of the New England Patriots and Houston Texans put on a defensive show in their Wildcard Round victories last weekend, and the pair now face off in a blockbuster Divisional Round clash this Sunday.

The Pats beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 to continue their impressive recent form while the Texans’ defence destroyed the Pittsburgh Steelers in what may have been Aaron Rodgers’ final game in the NFL.

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New England Patriots vs Houston Texans betting tips

• Under 40.5 points @ 37/40
• Hunter Henry over 17.5 yards longest reception @ 4/5
• Drake Maye to throw an interception @ 17/20

Defences to dominate

Houston’s defence was one of the standout performances of the Wildcard Round, as they limited Rodgers to a 14.3 Total OBR with a pick six and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in their 30-6 win.

The Texans kept Pittsburgh to just two successful third down attempts from 14 tries and that performance came despite their own quarterback, C.J. Stroud, throwing an interception himself and fumbling the ball five times.

Houston have now allowed 17 points or fewer in eight of their nine road games this season and they are on their travels again as they take on the New England Patriots in Foxborough.

The Pats allowed the fourth-fewest points of any team in the league in the regular season and kept up that impressive form in their 16-3 win over the Chargers, preventing Justin Herbert from getting anything going.

With a pair of defences that look seriously formidable and with weather conditions expected to be extremely cold, this looks likely to be another game in which the under lands, as it has in seven of the Texans’ nine road games this season.

Henry can hoover up yardage

Veteran tight-end Hunter Henry has had an impressive season with New England and he scored the only touchdown in their win over the Los Angeles Chargers last time out.

The Patriots star has had a longest reception of at least 20 yards in six of his last eight games and his habit of making explosive plays will make him one of Drake Maye’s most important targets in this game.

Despite the Texans’ impressive defense, take Henry’s longest reception to be over 17.5 yards.

Expect a pick from Maye

The New England Patriots’ Drake Maye has had an MVP-level season but he wasn’t the most convincing against the Los Angeles Chargers last time out, going 17-29 for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception, along with two fumbles.

The quarterback has now thrown three picks in his last five games and faces a Texans defence who rank third in the league with 19 interceptions on the year.

Maye will be under real pressure and could falter against such an impressive unit.

All odds correct at time of writing.

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All odds correct at time of writing

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