NFL games today: Texans face Patriots, Rams take on Bears in divisional playoffs

NFL games today bring two must-watch divisional playoff matchups to your screen. The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at 3 p.m. EST, while the Los Angeles Rams battle the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. EST. These games determine who advances to the conference championships this weekend.

Patriots Defense Meets Elite Texans Offense in AFC Divisional Round

Houston’s defense ranked among the NFL’s best this season, holding opponents to minimal scoring. The Texans’ top-ranked defense will test Drake Maye early, as the rookie has had an outstanding first full season leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record. Maye’s ability to avoid turnovers becomes critical against a team finishing plus-17 in turnover differential.

Quarterback CJ Stroud leads the Texans with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 14 games. However, the race has tightened at this level of play. The Patriots advanced with a 16-3 wild card victory over the Chargers, while the Texans dominated the Steelers 30-6 behind their suffocating defense.

Drake Maye’s Strategic Running Game May Surprise Patriots Opponents

Drake Maye’s dual-threat ability distinguishes this Patriots team from previous seasons. The QB set a playoff record with 66 rushing yards in his most recent game, adding a new dimension to New England’s offensive attack. Meanwhile, Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell faces his toughest challenge yet against Houston’s aggressive pass rush.

Maye’s statistics paint an astonishing picture, completing 72 percent of his passes with a 113.5 passer rating, leading the entire NFL. His 8.9 yards per attempt ranks second in the league, showcasing precision and efficiency.

AFC and NFC Divisional Round Matchup Comparison

“The Patriots have a 52.1% chance to beat the Texans, according to ESPN projections. The site gives the Texans a 47.9% shot at winning the AFC divisional round game.”

Betting experts and analysts from across the league are split on this matchup’s outcome.

Rams Face Bears in NFC Battle, Stafford Seeks Playoff Success

Matthew Stafford threw for a career-high 46 touchdown passes during the regular season, but cold-weather playoff games have historically challenged the veteran QB. The Rams (13-5) come as 3.5-point favorites against the Bears (12-6), with both teams riding wild card comeback victories into Chicago.

Caleb Williams made franchise history, setting the Bears’ single-season passing record with 3,942 yards. The rookie quarterback has demonstrated remarkable growth despite facing a challenging defensive environment this season.

Will Stafford and the Rams Dominate in Freezing Chicago, or Will the Bears’ Defense Create a Playoff Upset?

Multiple analysts predicted the Rams would win the Rams-Bears matchup, with three of five NFL.com analysts backing Los Angeles. Cold temperatures and double-digit winds are expected at Soldier Field, potentially negating Stafford’s passing advantage. Bears defensive talent could create the upset scenario playoff fans hope for.

The game carries significant stakes, as super bowl odds favor the Rams at 23.8% chance with current +320 odds. However, the Bears’ home-field advantage in brutally cold conditions makes this one of the weekend’s most unpredictable matchups.

Sources

• ESPN – AFC divisional playoff matchup predictions and playoff odds data
• CBS Sports – NFL divisional round predictions and spread analysis
• USA Today – 2026 NFL playoffs schedule and team records

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.