The 2025 regular season has already been followed by some of the most memorable playoff matchups in recent memory, and this Sunday is set to be no different. After multiple stunning comebacks in the Wild Card round, Saturday’s Divisional games saw both No. 1 seeds advance in very different circumstances.
After the Seattle Seahawks’ blowout victory and a bitter-sweet win for the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots to kick off Sunday’s slate. With two elite head coaches, two outstanding defenses, and two talented young quarterbacks facing off, the winter weather is set to add another layer of interest to proceedings.
Snow Forecast for Foxborough as Titanic AFC Battle Edges Closer
Despite the Broncos having already booked a place in the AFC Championship game, the Texans and Patriots are arguably both more likely to make the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. That’s after Denver’s quarterback, Bo Nix, suffered a fractured ankle in the final plays of the team’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
That adds some extra spice to an already mouth-watering contest, with the winners set to be huge favorites to advance to football’s greatest showcase. It won’t be easy for either team, though, as both will be battling the elements as well as each other.
According to weather.com (as of 01:30 a.m. on Sunday), there will be non-stop snow in Foxborough throughout the day. The temperatures will be around freezing, and the snow is expected to get heavier as the game progresses.
- Kickoff: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: Low 30s
- Showers: 60% at kickoff, increasing throughout
- Wind: 3 mph NE
Fortunately for C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye, the snow shouldn’t be made worse by strong winds, and things should be fairly calm in that regard. The freezing temperatures and snowy conditions will almost certainly impact throwing accuracy and completion percentages, though, and it could be a run-heavy affair.
That would suit the Texans more than the Patriots, after Mike Vrabel’s men gave up over 160 rushing yards in three of their final four regular-season games. Houston hasn’t given up over 160 rushing yards since Week 2, and only gave up 100 or more rushing yards six times throughout the entire season.
Both defenses should be expected to take center stage in this one, and turnovers could well be the deciding factor. The Texans’ defense has recorded multiple turnovers in half of their 18 games so far, with at least three turnovers in almost a third of them (5/18).
The Patriots haven’t been as productive in that area, but have given up an average of just 7.66 points per game over their last three. They’ll also be playing against a Texans offense that will be without star receiver Nico Collins, who is out with a concussion.
Overall, the winter conditions should play into New England’s hands, with Houston playing its home games in a dome in Texas. The absence of Collins is also a huge blow to the Texans’ offense, while the Patriots have a relatively healthy roster.
Anything can happen in the playoffs, and the Texans are too good to be considered underdogs, but home-field advantage and injuries favor the Patriots. The quarterback situation also points to the home team, but as always, it will be down to who makes the plays on the day.
