There are many connections between the Patriots and the Texans, mainly in the coaching staff, as many ex-Bill Belichick staffers are now in Houston. But there are a few players with familiarity, too, the most notable of whom is wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Although he only spent one season with the Texans, and it was cut short due to suffering an ACL tear midyear, he has the inside knowledge of what the offense there tries to do, and maybe even a bit of intel on the defense, which could become part of how the Patriots prepare this week.
It's also what might have led to Mike Vrabel and Co. to sign defensive end Darrell Taylor earlier this week, as he spent much of the 2025 season with the Texans.
Their insight becomes invaluable as the Patriots get ready to host their second postseason game this season, and hearing just how close CJ Stroud and Diggs still are only affirms that more, even though we know, clearly, the quarterback is not sharing game planning information with his former teammate.
Adding to that is his performances in the biggest games of the Patriots' season, which seems to be when Josh McDaniels incorporates Diggs the most. They'll need that kind of production from the veteran going against a defense as tough as Houston's.
Stefon Diggs could be another key to the Patriots' getting the best of the Texans' offense
Before his season ended due to injury, Diggs started in eight games for Houston and recorded 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He has openly shared that he enjoyed his time with the team after the Bills traded him during the offseason, and he quickly became Stroud's go-to weapon.
He's now become that for Drake Maye, and his intel into the Texans' offense could be a massive help for the Patriots' defense, who will need to have just as good a game as last week against the Chargers, if not better, to get the win.
Diggs has already proven he can be a source of knowledge in that way this year, as he and cornerback Christian Gonzalez actively share information about their opponents during the game, so that will surely continue in their biggest game of the season.
Any edge that they can get is welcome, and anything that Diggs, or even Taylor, can provide could be something that puts the Patriots ahead at any given moment, even if most believe they're the favorite to win.
They'll also need him to be far more involved in the game plan than he has been over the past few weeks. When that has happened at other points in the season, McDaniels has utilized Diggs far more in big games on primetime. Whether that was intentional or not is hard to say, but there's no bigger game than facing the Texans at home with a chance to face the Broncos in the AFC Championship.
With Mack Hollins out, there is no playoff experience within the wide receiver room beyond Diggs, so Maye will want to rely on him more than he has over the past month.
We've seen what he can do when he is the quarterback's go-to guy, and there's no reason to avoid that kind of game plan on Sunday.