Let's grade the performance of every position group in the divisional round as the Texans hit the offseason and begin to regroup for 2026.

Stroud has four interceptions, which is tied for most in a single half in any postseason game in the last 35 years. That includes a pick six to Marcus Jones. The Texans' terrific defense has helped limit the damage, but it can only do so much given Stroud's struggles.

Houston and New England set off the early afternoon portion of the two divisional Sunday matchups. The Texans are playing on a short week, having eliminated the Steelers on Monday night, 30-7. New England is coming off a dominant 16-3 victory over the Chargers last week and the first playoff win of the Mike Vrabel Patriots era.

From the mid-2010s through 2020, Houston leaned heavily on New England ties, starting with head coach Bill O’Brien, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and a growing list of former Patriots players and staffers. The approach became known — often critically — as chasing the “Patriot Way.”

If the Houston Texans lose on Sunday to the New England Patriots, fans can blame the crew from ESPN’s “NFL Live" for jinxing them Friday afternoon.