The New England Patriots overcame three turnovers to beat a Houston Texans team that fortunately had a massive five of their own. The Patriots also surrendered another five sacks, bringing their total to 10 in two playoff games. Positives include the play of wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte.
Regardless, the Patriots can activate the underrated, big-play Mack Hollins from IR if he's fit, and they should do so instantly.
Hollins was a terrific free agent signing by Mike Vrabel in the offseason. A bonus was that they snatched him from Buffalo, where virtually every 2024 catch he made was either a first down or a touchdown. That hurt the Bills in a classic case of addition and subtraction.
The big receiver continued his big-play ways for the Patriots in 2025. He notched 46 receptions for 550 yards, two touchdowns, and 28 first downs. He's also the Patriots' biggest wide receiver at 6'4" and 221 pounds. That creates matchup nightmares for any defensive back, especially shorter ones.
Mack Hollins should be activated immediately if he's ready to play
Patriots' quarterback Drake Maye needs all the help he can get. In 19 games, including playoffs, Maye's been sacked 57 times. It's not a formula for winning a Super Bowl. Yet, almost miraculously, the Patriots have managed to overcome that deficiency and advance to the AFC Championship game against the Broncos. Mack Hollins will help as both a receiver and an extra big body as a blocker.
Dakota Randall of NESN nicely summarized Hollins' value to the Patriots this season.
"Hollins was having one of his best seasons before suffering the injury. The 32-year-old posted 46 catches for 550 yards — his career highs are 57 catches and 690 yards — along with two touchdowns in 15 games. As perhaps the Patriots’ best blocking wideout, Hollins was also a key, physical presence in the running game."
There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Hollins should be activated if he's deemed physically ready to play. His size, his big-play ability, and his experience all scream for Mike Vrabel to get him back on the field if he's cleared to play.
Mack Hollins is a winner with top playoff experience
In 2025, Mack Hollins was an under-the-radar but extremely valuable signing by Mike Vrabel. He's not only been productive on the field, but his teammates have also appreciated his personality. He's one of the most popular players on the roster. Bills' fans were not happy to see him leave, and the Patriots were the beneficiaries of the Bills' blunder.
Hollins has experience and a solid track record in the biggest games. It was no more visible than in the AFC Championship game last season against the Chiefs in Kansas City. While the Bills lost. Hollins had a great game.
The big-play receiver racked up three catches for 73 yards against the Chiefs. His biggest was a 34-yard touchdown catch on a pass from Josh Allen. In the biggest game of the year, the AFC Championship game, the big-play receiver delivered the goods. He led the Bills in receiving with those three catches.
Now the Patriots will play in the AFC Championship game, and hopefully Hollins will be ready to go. Hollins adds a lot to this Patriots team both on and off the field. His big-play ability, coupled with his blocking, which may help in that sack department and the running game, mandates that if he's ready, Mike Vrabel should activate and play him. There's no other logical decision to be made.