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Update 1/16/2025: Patriots vs. Texans to be played in snowy conditions
After some speculation earlier in the week whether or not the New England Patriots’ divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans would take place in true snowy conditions, there is near-certainty now. On the morning of the game, the forecast projects snow on the ground for the 3 p.m. ET kickoff.
According to the National Weather Service, “total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches [is] possible” with up to 5 inches in the forecast for the evening. The chance of precipitation is projected at 100%, meaning snowfall throughout the contest.
Those conditions will have an impact on the game, and it will be mostly felt on defense. Along the defensive line, pass rushers will have a tougher time getting footing on their way to the quarterback. In the secondary, meanwhile, reaction times might be slower and quick cuts tougher to execute.
Unsurprisingly, former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spoke about “a QB’s dream right here” ahead of a snowy game against the Tennessee Titans in 2009.
Both teams will have to adjust, of course, but the Patriots seem to be at advantageous position. Based on the season so far, after all, their team success overall is less dependent on defensive performance.
Original story 1/16/2025: Patriots vs. Texans increasingly likely to become a snow game
The Houston Texans might be in for a rude awakening come Sunday’s divisional round playoff game against the New England Patriots. Used to the cozy confines of their domed home arena, it appears that they will be subjected to some challenging conditions at Gillette Stadium.
According to a forecast shared on NFL Weather, temperatures in Foxborough will be in the low 30s throughout the contest, with a wind chill as low as 24°F. In addition, snowfall is likely for much if not all of the afternoon.
The National Weather Service predicts a “chance of snow” mainly after 1 p.m. ET, with “new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.”
For the Patriots, playing in the cold is nothing new. Temperatures dropped below 40°F in each of their last six games, including Sunday’s wild card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. New England went 5-1 during that stretch.
The lone loss was also the Patriots’ most recent snow game, a 35-31 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in mid-December. The result of that contest, which was played in light snowfall with little accumulation on the ground, was primarily due to the team’s inability to maintain its early momentum rather than the conditions.
The Texans, on the other hand, bring limited experience to the table. They did win both of their cold-weather games this season, with last week’s victory in Pittsburgh among them, but they have not played in a snow game since December 2016. No players from that team remain on Houston’s roster in 2026.
Kickoff between the AFC East champion Patriots and the AFC South runner-up Texans at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. ET.
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