Patriots’ win over Texans may have come at massive cost for their chances to make Super Bowl run this season

New England may need to prove their defensive depth to win the AFC.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on in the first half in an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are coming off a huge defensive performance in a 28-16 win over the Houston Texans to earn their shot at clinching a Super Bowl berth.

In the win, Mike Vrabel’s defense may have sustained a notable loss for the outlook of the rest of their postseason run.

Patriots may not have CB Carlton Davis for AFC Championship

The veteran starting cornerback for the Patriots was forced out of the team’s Divisional Round victory due to a head injury. He was initially considered questionable but was later downgraded to out. Accordingly, his status for next weekend feels cloudy as a massive week looms for his return.

Davis was a key playmaker for the New England defense that made life a living hell for C.J. Stroud on Sunday. The Texans QB threw four interceptions, one of which was a pick six for Pats CB Marcus Jones. Davis had two interceptions in the win.

With that, if he were to miss next weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos, the Patriots would need depth in the secondary to step up. Christian Gonzalez leads the CB group for New England, but inexperienced players like Alex Austin and Charles Woods are behind Davis on the depth chart.

“Davis joined the Patriots on a three-year, $54 million free agency contract in March. Starting all 17 regular season contests as well as both postseason games so far, he is ranked second on the team with 1,041 combined defensive snaps.” — Yahoo Sports

Also, the Broncos lost their starting QB in their Divisional Round win. Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury, meaning that backup (and former Patriots QB) Jarrett Stidham will draw the start against the Patriots.

Keep an eye out for updates regarding Davis’ head injury here with A to Z Sports. His practice availability throughout the week will be telling signs for his potential status for the AFC Championship.