If you're waking up in New England today, the air probably feels a little different. It's playoff football. It’s that January chill where the coffee stays hot for about four minutes, but the energy around Gillette Stadium is basically electric. Honestly, after the roller coaster of the last couple of years, seeing Drake Maye lead this squad into a Divisional Round matchup feels like a fever dream we don't want to wake up from.
You're likely here because you need the hard facts on what time in the patriots game today things actually get moving. Nobody wants to be the person still heating up the wings when the opening kickoff is sailing through the uprights.
The New England Patriots are set to host the Houston Texans this afternoon, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Kickoff and Broadcast Details for Today
Let's get right to the point. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM EST.
If you are watching from the West Coast, you’re looking at a noon start. For the folks in the middle of the country, it’s 2:00 PM. Basically, you’ve got just enough time to finish your Sunday errands, grab the snacks, and settle in.
The game is being broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC.
You've got the heavy hitters in the booth today. Joe Buck is on play-by-play, and Troy Aikman is handling the color commentary. If you’re a fan of the "ManningCast" style or just like the classic big-game feel, this is the one. For those of us stuck without a traditional cable box, you can stream the action on the ESPN app or through Fubo, which usually has those free trials if you're in a pinch.
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN / ABC / WCVB Channel 5 (Local Boston)
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Bob Socci and Scott Zolak)
Why This Game Feels Different
Usually, when we talk about the Patriots in January, it’s with a sort of "business as usual" attitude. But this isn't the Brady era. It’s something new.
Drake Maye has been a revelation. Watching him put up 268 yards and lead the team in rushing during the 16-3 Wild Card win over the Chargers last week? That was special. It wasn't always pretty, but he has this "it" factor that's kept Foxborough buzzing all week.
On the other side, you've got C.J. Stroud. The Texans aren't just a "happy to be here" team anymore. They absolutely dismantled the Steelers 30-6 last week. Their defense scored twice! If the Patriots think they can just coast because they’re the #2 seed playing at home, they’re in for a very long, very cold afternoon.
The Weather Factor at Gillette
It’s Foxborough in January. You know the drill.
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The forecast is looking like typical "Patriots weather"—hovering right around freezing with a bit of a breeze coming off the coast. It’s the kind of game where ball security becomes everything. One muffed punt or a slippery hand on a handoff could literally end a season.
Coach Mayo has been preaching discipline all week, and honestly, he has to. The Texans are opportunistic. They thrive on chaos. If New England plays a clean, "boring" game, they win. If it turns into a wild shootout with turnovers, Stroud has the arm to make the Pats pay.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of national media heads are calling this an easy win for the Patriots because of the home-field advantage. Don't buy it.
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Houston lost six straight road playoff games before last week. They finally broke that curse in Pittsburgh. They have momentum, and they have a quarterback who doesn't seem to have a "panic" button.
The real battle isn't just the quarterbacks, though. Keep an eye on the Patriots' defensive front. If they can’t get to Stroud and force him into quick, uncomfortable decisions, he will pick the secondary apart. Christian Gonzalez is "good to go" according to the latest injury reports, which is massive news for the Pats' secondary, but they’ll need the pass rush to show up early.
Your Pre-Game Checklist
If you're heading to the stadium or just watching from the couch, here is how you should spend the next few hours:
- Check the Radio: If you're driving, tune into 98.5 The Sports Hub. The pre-game show starts at 1:45 PM. There is nothing like listening to Zolak get hyped up to get your own blood pumping.
- Streaming Prep: If you’re using the ESPN app, log in now. Don't wait until 2:59 PM to realize you forgot your password or that the app needs a 4GB update.
- Monitor the Inactives: Final inactive lists usually come out about 90 minutes before kickoff (around 1:30 PM). Watch for Harold Landry III—he's been listed as questionable, and his presence on the edge is a total game-changer.
This game is the first step toward a potential AFC Championship meeting with the Broncos. The stakes are massive. 3:00 PM can't get here soon enough.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Head over to the official Patriots app to catch the "Dunkin' Patriots Pregame Social" starting at 1:45 PM for the final word on the roster. Make sure your streaming devices are updated and logged into your ESPN account at least thirty minutes before the 3:00 PM kickoff to avoid any technical delays.