Patriots players dunk on doubters after playoff win over Texans

Multiple ESPN personalities predicted that the Houston Texans would earn a divisional-round playoff win at the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon.

Predictably, some New England players had plenty to say about those perceived slights after the Patriots tallied a 28-16 win that sent them to an AFC Championship Game matchup at the Denver Broncos on Jan. 25.

Stefon Diggs knew some viewed Patriots as underdogs vs. Texans

"Hopefully they do that again this week because that’s another good defense we’re about to go see," Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs said about people picking the Texans ahead of Sunday's clash, per Chris Mason of MassLive. "Playing with a chip on our shoulder. I think we’re one of those teams that plays better with a chip on our shoulder. When everybody counted us out. It was a handful of commentators and people — the little tidbits I do see because I try not to see it too much — they all picked Houston to win. For good reason. That’s a good football team, and I understand that vantage point. All we can do is come in and work hard during the week and put ourselves in the best position to win the game.”

In total, the Patriots and Texans combined for eight turnovers at a snowy Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The New England defense intercepted Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times before halftime of the contest arrived. 

"We were hearing them talk all week," Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams said after the win, according to Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe. "Ain’t nobody talking about our defense. We’re going to see if they’re going to talk about our defense now. Them boys are going home. ...That’s what I live for. To shut people up."

Patriots won't be underdogs vs. Broncos

The Broncos are turning to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in Denver's win over the Buffalo Bills. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Patriots as 5.5-point road favorites for the AFC title game. 

That doesn't mean Williams and Co. won't be playing with some anger in their hearts on the final Sunday of January.

"We got a lot of guys over here with a chip on their shoulder," Williams added. "We go out there every time we step on the field and try to prove that."