Patriots Country

Frigid Weather Could Tilt Divisional Round in Patriots' Favor

Winter weather looms large in Foxborough, where snow and cold could swing the Divisional Round toward the New England Patriots as temperatures drop rapidly
Jhelum Mehta|
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

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New England Patriots

Winter is coming to Foxborough. The New England Patriots are gearing up for a full-fledged snowball showdown against the Houston Texans. While kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, the forecast is already calling for snow, and things could get downright ugly by the second half.

With postseason stakes on the line, this one might come down to who can handle the elements better. The weather could end up deciding this game just as much as ball security, trench play, and mental toughness, and Xs and Os.

Trench Warfare Could Decide Patriots vs Texans If Snow Takes Over

The New England Patriots set the tone early on X, posting a snowy clip from Foxborough Stadium, and winter is already clocked in. According to AccuWeather, there’s a 63% chance of precipitation at kickoff, which spikes to 83% by 4 p.m. and stays north of 80% the rest of the night. Temps may hover above freezing, but snow on the turf could turn footing and ball security into a real adventure.

Forecasts are calling for a high of 38°F with around a 55% chance of snow, though heavy accumulation isn’t a lock. Yet. Still, this is a major vibe shift for both teams. The Texans are coming out of a dome, while the Patriots are bracing for Foxborough weather with a young QB at the controls in Drake Maye.

New England also shared footage of Maye warming up with little to no snow falling, but the gray skies overhead told a different story. 

Cold weather? No big deal for the Pats. Multiple inches of snow? That’s a different beast. If this Divisional matchup devolves into a trench war, Houston’s physical edge up front could start to swing the momentum.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

All signs point to a sloppy second half in Foxborough, with 1–3 inches of snow possible as the storm develops. A game already stacked with defensive firepower just got tougher on both quarterbacks, as Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud may be forced to battle the elements as much as each other.

Flurries are expected at some point after the 3 p.m. ET kickoff, and slick conditions could turn clean throws, sharp cuts, and ball security into premium commodities. This one might come down to who can survive the chaos.

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Jhelum Mehta
JHELUM MEHTA

Jhelum Mehta is a writer at On SI. She started her journalism career in 2023, and she has previously worked with EssentiallySports, FandomWire, and PFSN, gaining valuable experience across multiple sports beats. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology, Jhelum brings a thoughtful, people-centric approach to her storytelling. A big admirer of Patrick Mahomes, she draws inspiration from his commanding persona and his unwavering belief that he’s built to conquer every challenge. This mindset often shapes Jhelum's own style and perspective as a writer. When she’s off the desk, you’ll most likely find her lost in a mystery novel, enjoying stories that keep her guessing from start to finish.

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