Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 28–16 Houston Texans
- Halftime
- Houston Texans 10–21 New England Patriots at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Kayshon Boutte
- Top passer
- C.J. Stroud
- Biggest EPA play
- (10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones …
- Game date
- 2026-01-18
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Houston Texans 28–16 on 2026-01-18. Kayshon Boutte posted a game-high +6.21 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Houston Texans | 3 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
 New England Patriots | 7 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
HOUHouston Texans
(9:41) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short middle to 3-D.Douglas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
(5:29) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
(12:57) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 13-C.Kirk for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
(10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
(3:17) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short left to 8-S.Diggs for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
(9:48) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
(1:37) 15-K.Fairbairn 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
(13:05) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass deep right to 9-K.Boutte for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
NENew England PatriotsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:41TD Demario DouglasPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 28
- Score
- 0-6
(9:41) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short middle to 3-D.Douglas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:35XP Andy BorregalesPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 0-7
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q1 5:29FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 6
- Score
- 3-7
(5:29) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 12:57TD Christian KirkPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 10
- Score
- 9-7
(12:57) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 13-C.Kirk for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 12:51XP Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 10-7
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 10:41TD Marcus JonesPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 75
- Score
- 10-13
(10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 10:31XP Andy BorregalesPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 10-14
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 3:17TD Stefon DiggsPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 7
- Score
- 10-20
(3:17) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short left to 8-S.Diggs for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 3:12XP Andy BorregalesPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 10-21
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 9:48FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 7
- Score
- 13-21
(9:48) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 1:37FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 33
- Score
- 16-21
(1:37) 15-K.Fairbairn 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 13:05TD Kayshon BouttePoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 32
- Score
- 16-27
(13:05) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass deep right to 9-K.Boutte for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 12:58XP Andy BorregalesPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 16-28
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Kayshon Boutte · New England Patriots · Receiving · +6.21 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
- 2
Dalton Schultz · Houston Texans · Receiving · +4.85 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.42 EPA/play - 3Demario Douglas · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.41 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.20 EPA/play
- 4Stefon Diggs · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.51 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 5
Nick Chubb · Houston Texans · Rushing · +2.27 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play - 6
Jay Higgins IV · Houston Texans · Receiving · +1.58 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play - 7
Cade Stover · Houston Texans · Rushing · +1.08 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play - 8
Austin Hooper · New England Patriots · Receiving · +0.00 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.00 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Kayshon Boutte — NE · Receiving
Kayshon Boutte posted the highest total EPA (+6.21) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +1.24 EPA per play.
Kayshon Boutte's top snap (+3.83 EPA): (13:05) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass deep right to 9-K.Boutte for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
Biggest single play (-8.05 EPA): C.J. Stroud — (10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
C.J. Stroud led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) · 54 dropbacks · 37.0% completion · -20.2% CPOE · -0.33 EPA/play · -17.65 total EPA
Drake Maye (New England Patriots) · 34 dropbacks · 47.1% completion · -5.4% CPOE · -0.12 EPA/play · -3.97 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Houston Texans | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.279 | -0.201 |
| Offensive success rate | 35.9% | 38.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.327 | -0.117 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.405 | -0.379 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.201 | +0.279 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.4% | 64.1% |
Drive & efficiency notes
New England Patriots held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.20 vs -0.28), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Houston Texans: -0.28 EPA/play (6th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
- New England Patriots: -0.20 EPA/play (12th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: 15 drives, -25.69 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 16 drives, -16.68 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New England Patriots — Demario Douglas (Drake Maye pass)
- Houston Texans — Christian Kirk (C.J. Stroud pass)
- New England Patriots — Marcus Jones
- New England Patriots — Stefon Diggs (Drake Maye pass)
- New England Patriots — Kayshon Boutte (Drake Maye pass)
Field goals
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–3. New England Patriots found the end zone from the HOU 28 (Q1 9:41) — (9:41) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short middle to 3-D.Douglas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 9:35) — 36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the NE 6 (Q1 5:29) — (5:29) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–7. Houston Texans found the end zone from the NE 10 (Q2 12:57) — (12:57) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 13-C.Kirk for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 12:51) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the NE 75 (Q2 10:41); New England Patriots added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 10:31) — 36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the HOU 7 (Q2 3:17) — (3:17) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short left to 8-S.Diggs for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 3:12) — 36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer..
The third quarter: Houston Texans won the period 6–0. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the NE 7 (Q3 9:48) — (9:48) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the NE 33 (Q3 1:37) — (1:37) 15-K.Fairbairn 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend..
The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the HOU 32 (Q4 13:05); New England Patriots added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 12:58) — 36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Houston Texans (Q2 10:41) — (10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New England Patriots (Q1 0:58) — (:58) 10-D.Maye up the middle to NE 27 for 4 yards (72-T.Togiai). FUMBLES (72-T.Togiai), RECOVERED by HOU-0-A.Al-Shaair at NE 27.
- New England Patriots (Q1 9:41) — (9:41) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short middle to 3-D.Douglas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q1 1:44) — (1:44) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left intended for 13-C.Kirk INTERCEPTED by 7-C.Davis [44-K.Chaisson] at NE 18. 7-C.Davis to NE 18 for no gain (13-C.Kirk).
- Houston Texans (Q1 8:47) — (8:47) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short left to 86-D.Schultz pushed ob at NE 27 for 42 yards (31-C.Woodson).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Houston Texans (Q2 10:41) — (10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q3 5:30) — (5:30) (Shotgun) 27-W.Marks right tackle to NE 17 for no gain (0-C.Gonzalez; 91-E.Ponder). FUMBLES (0-C.Gonzalez), RECOVERED by NE-31-C.Woodson at NE 12.
- New England Patriots (Q1 0:58) — (:58) 10-D.Maye up the middle to NE 27 for 4 yards (72-T.Togiai). FUMBLES (72-T.Togiai), RECOVERED by HOU-0-A.Al-Shaair at NE 27.
- Houston Texans (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 7-C.Davis at NE 48. 7-C.Davis ran ob at NE 48 for no gain.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 9:41 · HOU 28 · Score 0-6
(9:41) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short middle to 3-D.Douglas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 9:35 · HOU 15 · Score 0-7
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q1 5:29 · NE 6 · Score 3-7
(5:29) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 12:57 · NE 10 · Score 9-7
(12:57) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 13-C.Kirk for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 12:51 · NE 15 · Score 10-7
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 10:41 · NE 75 · Score 10-13
(10:41) 7-C.Stroud pass short left intended for 19-X.Hutchinson INTERCEPTED by 25-M.Jones [44-K.Chaisson] at HOU 26. 25-M.Jones for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 10:31 · HOU 15 · Score 10-14
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 3:17 · HOU 7 · Score 10-20
(3:17) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass short left to 8-S.Diggs for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 3:12 · HOU 15 · Score 10-21
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q3 9:48 · NE 7 · Score 13-21
(9:48) 15-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q3 1:37 · NE 33 · Score 16-21
(1:37) 15-K.Fairbairn 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-A.Brinkman, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 13:05 · HOU 32 · Score 16-27
(13:05) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass deep right to 9-K.Boutte for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 12:58 · HOU 15 · Score 16-28
36-A.Borregales extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Ashby, Holder-17-B.Baringer.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- C.J. Stroud (HOU) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- Drake Maye (NE) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Houston Texans vs New England Patriots on 2026-01-18?
The New England Patriots beat the Houston Texans 28-16 in Divisional, 2025.
What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Houston Texans 3, New England Patriots 7; Q2: Houston Texans 7, New England Patriots 14; Q3: Houston Texans 6, New England Patriots 0; Q4: Houston Texans 0, New England Patriots 7; Final: Houston Texans 16, New England Patriots 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs New England Patriots?
New England Patriots touchdown — D. Douglas (D. Maye pass) (Q1 9:41) Houston Texans touchdown — C. Kirk (C. Stroud pass) (Q2 12:57) New England Patriots touchdown — M. Jones (Q2 10:41) New England Patriots touchdown — S. Diggs (D. Maye pass) (Q2 3:17) New England Patriots touchdown — K. Boutte (D. Maye pass) (Q4 13:05) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q1 5:29, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q3 9:48, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q3 1:37, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs New England Patriots?
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), 37.0% completion, -20.2% CPOE, -0.33 EPA per dropback, -17.65 total passing EPA. Drake Maye (New England Patriots), 47.1% completion, -5.4% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -3.97 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Houston Texans vs New England Patriots?
Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.21 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 5 snaps. Their top snap (+3.83 EPA): (13:05) (Shotgun) 10-D.Maye pass deep right to 9-K.Boutte for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on t.
Season records after this game
Houston Texans
Entered 13-5 Now 13-6 L
New England Patriots
Entered 15-3 Now 16-3 W
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