Los Angeles (AFP) - The Houston Texans must cast off the weight of history as they attempt to halt the New England Patriots' march towards another Super Bowl appearance this weekend.
The Texans travel to Foxborough on Saturday for a divisional playoff game against a Patriots team who are firm favorites to advance to the AFC Championship game.
Houston have never won at Gillette Stadium, have only ever beaten the Patriots once and were trounced 27-0 at the same venue during the regular season.
Their last two meetings with the Patriots have been lost by a combined score of 54-6 and they will also be playing in cold conditions when they are more used to the warmth of their own indoor NRG Arena.