In the highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round showdown on Sunday, January 18, 2026, all eyes will be focused on the performance of veteran tight end Hunter Henry as the New England Patriots face off against the Houston Texans. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, particularly because both teams boast formidable defensive units that will be eager to challenge the young quarterbacks taking the field.
Charlie Cummings has pinpointed Hunter Henry as a key player to watch in this game, particularly for those interested in placing prop bets. When considering the dynamics at play, there’s no denying that pass catchers like Henry will be essential to the Patriots' success.
Among the most intriguing prop bets available on DraftKings Sportsbook is the wager on Hunter Henry recording four or more receptions at odds of -119.
Now, let’s delve into why this bet is worth considering. The Texans' defense is known for its excellence, with one of the strongest secondaries in the league, an elite pass rush, and a stout front seven capable of dominating the run game. However, if there is any vulnerability within their ranks, it lies in the linebacking group. While Azeez Al-Shaair stands out as a talented linebacker, he cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. The Patriots are likely to exploit this gap.
Historically, New England has excelled when utilizing what’s known as 12 personnel, which features one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers on the field. This formation has proven to be effective, as evidenced by their impressive ranking of third in expected points added (EPA) per pass while operating out of this setup. Both Hunter Henry and his fellow tight end, Austin Hooper, have been instrumental in creating mismatches against opposing defenses, particularly in short to intermediate routes.
Although the Patriots currently rank 19th in the NFL regarding their use of 12 personnel, it’s likely that they will increase this strategy in light of the Texans' potent pass rush. With standout pass rushers like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter ready to target the Patriots' tackles, the New England offensive line will need ample support. Some assistance may come from the running back position; however, TreVeyon Henderson’s struggles in pass protection could open up additional vulnerabilities. As a result, the Patriots may opt to deploy more tight ends to help with chip blocks against these fierce pass rushers.
Moreover, employing chip blocks often leads to opportunities for quick leakout routes. Although Henry will certainly run direct routes in formations with just one tight end, his role will expand significantly when the team opts for heavier formations to counter the Texans’ aggressive pass rush. While these plays may not always yield massive yardage, Henry will consistently serve as a reliable checkdown option. Expect quarterback Drake Maye to frequently seek out Henry as a safety valve during critical moments of the game.
So, as we gear up for this exciting matchup, consider how Hunter Henry's involvement could shape the outcome. Will you be placing your bets on him? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—do you think the Patriots will lean heavily on Henry, or do you foresee a different player stepping up?
