Texans one win from history: First-ever AFC Championship Game on the line
The Houston Texans will face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this Sunday, with a chance to make franchise history.
For the first time in team history, the Houston Texans have a chance to reach the AFC Championship Game. After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in convincing fashion in the Wild Card round, Houston now travels to take on the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round on Sunday. A win would send the Texans to the conference title game for the first time ever, a breakthrough for a franchise that has never played in a conference championship or Super Bowl since its inception in 2002.
The last time each remaining team made the AFC/NFC Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GVkwILSY4B
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2026
Texans seek first AFC Title Game, Patriots stand in the way
Since joining the NFL in 2002, the Texans have steadily improved as a franchise, breaking through with a number of playoff berths over the years. But they have never advanced to the AFC Championship Game, mark that would change with a win over New England.
Historically, Houston has reached the Divisional Round multiple times but hasn’t taken the next step. Their playoff history shows six prior Divisional Round appearances, all resulting in losses, and no franchise conference title game appearances.
This year’s Texans squad, however, has already defied precedent. Their 30–6 road victory over the Steelers was the first road playoff win in franchise history and set the stage for an even more significant test in New England.
A familiar rival
The Patriots and Texans have met in the playoffs twice before, both times in the Divisional Round, with New England coming out on top in 2012 and 2016. But this iteration of the Texans is not the same as past groups. Houston earned its first win at Gillette Stadium during the 2024 regular season, ending an 0-7 all-time drought there.
Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a stout defense that ranks among the best in the league, the Texans have shown they can compete with the NFL’s elite. Now they have the opportunity to make even more history.
A win Sunday would put Houston into its first conference championship game ever, marking a historic moment for a franchise that has waited 24 years for this chance.
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