New England

Patriots

Not that this qualifies as “surprising,” but Kraft out-and-out said as much in an appearance on a Boston radio show. He also noted that owners were planning to “push like the Dickens” to make “so that every team every year will play one game overseas.” Kraft concluded by saying “as long as we can keep growing revenue we can keep long-term labor peace.” The current NFL CBA extends through the 2030 season, so we won’t have to spend too much time on this in the near future, but the specter of 18 games will continue to hover over labor negotiations as we hit the end of the decade.

Vrabel said the team is “still working through everything with some of those guys that could be back,’ so it’s unlikely we learn much about Hollins’ availability before the Patriots release their first injury report on Wednesday. Hollins hasn’t played since Week 16 and has yet to practice since going down. The veteran receiver has come up big on various occasions for the Patriots this season and would be a welcomed addition to the offense against a top-flight Broncos defense.

Douglas’ 28-yard score on the Patriots’ second series was his first since November 2. He shed a tackle on a 4th-and-1 crosser and was off to the house. Douglas is just a role player in Josh McDaniels’ offense, but one who gets weekly looks. Considering the Broncos’ elite perimeter coverage, Douglas could be something of an AFC Championship Game X-factor over the middle of the field.

One of the Pats’ leading receivers in the Wild Card Round, Henry was a surprising afterthought against the Texans on an afternoon where it was tough sledding for both passing games. Always in the mix on the most important downs, Henry will likely command some critical targets in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Broncos.

Boutte’s score was an amazing, one-handed grab in Derek Stingley’s stingy coverage in the fourth quarter. Boutte caught the ball sliding in the end zone. It was an elite play on an afternoon where pass catchers weren’t exactly feeding the highlight reel. Once again stepping up as the Patriots’ primary deep threat with Mack Hollins (abdomen) sidelined, Boutte is a potential AFC Championship Game X-factor for the Pats’ westward trip to Denver.

Diggs’ score was his first of the postseason and just his second since November 9. Blanketed in the end zone, he made a tough catch then held on for dear life as he was ripped to the ground. Harassed all afternoon by physical coverage, Diggs helped move the chains just enough times as the Pats outlasted a turnover-destroyed Texans offense. Diggs now has another difficult defensive assignment for the AFC Championship Game in Patrick Surtain’s Broncos.

It was a disappointing performance, especially in light of what seemed to be a significant Rhamondre Stevenson eye injury. Stevenson did return to close out the game, out-touching Henderson 20-13 and out-gaining him 81-23. The Pats’ backfield duo has a rough AFC Championship Game matchup in the Broncos’ elite run defense. In theory, that could lead to OC Josh McDaniels looking to get Henderson more involved on the perimeter/out in space than he has been of late. It is nevertheless safe to assume Stevenson will remain the 1A ball-carrier as the Pats look to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Tom Brady era.

Stevenson’s 20 touches came despite what seemed to be a fairly significant eye injury. Stevenson looked like he was having an extremely difficult time getting comfortable, but he returned to help close out a wild, turnover-marred affair. Once again the Pats’ unquestioned lead back, Stevenson has an AFC Championship Game matchup with an elite Broncos run defense. Perhaps that will have the Pats looking to get TreVeyon Henderson more involved on the perimeter/in space than he has been the past few weeks.

Unfathomably, Maye also fumbled four times, losing two, but that ended up “just” half C.J. Stroud’s disastrous turnover count. Unlike Stroud, Maye complemented his miscues with enough big plays — especially his 28- and 32-yard touchdown strikes — to help will the Pats to victory in terrible Boston weather conditions. Maye has not covered himself in glory through the Pats’ first two postseason games, but he’s done just enough to help cash in elite defensive performances. That wouldn’t normally be a recommended formula, but it will remain viable for an AFC Championship Game showdown with a Broncos team suddenly on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Be that as it may, Maye needs to be better if the Patriots are to secure their spot in yet another 21st century Super Bowl.

Gonzalez was removed from the Patriots’ injury report on Friday following his Wild Card Round concussion and subsequent placement in the league’s concussion protocol. He’ll join a solid New England secondary going against a Texans offense that will be without Nico Collins (concussion). Patriots declared CB Kobee Minor, LB Bradyn Swinson, OT Marcus Bryant, DT Eric Gregory, G Caedan Wallace, TE CJ Dippre, and QB Tommy DeVito inactive against Houston.