If you're looking for the Patriots score right now, you won't find one on the scoreboard today. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Foxborough is currently the "calm before the storm" kind of quiet. While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are duking it out in the high altitude of Mile High today, the New England Patriots are tucked away at home, prepping for their massive Divisional Round showdown against the Houston Texans tomorrow.
The last time we saw this team on the field, they finally broke a seven-year curse. Last Sunday, January 11, the Patriots took down the Los Angeles Chargers with a 16-3 final score in the Wild Card round.
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It wasn't flashy. Honestly, it was a bit of a defensive slog. But for a fan base that hasn't seen a playoff win since Super Bowl LIII in early 2019, that 16-3 result felt like a masterpiece. Drake Maye, the rookie who has basically revitalized the entire region's hope, finished that game with 268 passing yards and a crucial 28-yard touchdown strike to Hunter Henry.
Where the Patriots Stand Heading Into Sunday
Right now, the "score" is really about health and roster moves. Today, the team officially activated cornerback Alex Austin from the injured reserve. That’s huge for depth. They also elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad.
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Basically, Jerod Mayo is loading up on "beef" for the defensive line. Why? Because the Texans are coming to Gillette Stadium tomorrow (Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM ET) with a rookie runner named Woody Marks who just torched the Steelers for 112 yards.
Recent Results and the Road to the Divisional Round
New England finished the regular season at 14-3. They’ve been remarkably consistent, even when the offense hits a lull. If you missed the Wild Card game, here is how that 16-3 score actually happened:
- First Quarter: A total stalemate. Both defenses looked elite. 0-0.
- Second Quarter: Andres Borregales (the rookie kicker who’s been a godsend) nailed two field goals. Chargers managed one. 6-3 Patriots at half.
- Third Quarter: Another Borregales field goal. The defense kept Justin Herbert in a blender. 9-3 Patriots.
- Fourth Quarter: The breakthrough. Drake Maye escapes pressure, finds Hunter Henry. 16-3. Game over.
The Houston Texans Challenge
People are sleeping on Houston. They’re 13-5 and just came off a physical win against Pittsburgh. C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye is the matchup every talking head on TV is going to be obsessed with for the next 24 hours.
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The Patriots are favorites, mostly because of that defense. They sacked Herbert six times last week. Christian Gonzalez is officially out of concussion protocol and will be shadowing Houston's top threats. If New England wins tomorrow, they move on to the AFC Championship. That’s a sentence nobody thought they’d be saying two years ago.
What You Need to Know for Tomorrow
If you're checking the Patriots score right now hoping for live updates, you've got about 20 hours to wait. Set your alarms for Sunday at 3:00 PM ET. The game is airing on ABC and ESPN.
Expect a lot of "duo" and inside zone runs from Houston. New England's interior line, specifically with the return of Khyiris Tonga, has to hold the point of attack. If they let Woody Marks get to the second level, it's going to be a long afternoon for the Gillette Stadium crowd.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Inactives: Final lists come out 90 minutes before kickoff (around 1:30 PM ET tomorrow). Watch the status of the defensive interior.
- Weather Factor: It’s January in Massachusetts. The forecast is looking chilly but clear, which favors the Patriots' disciplined defensive schemes over Houston's high-flying turf-speed style.
- Watch the Rookie: Drake Maye’s mobility was the secret sauce against the Chargers (66 rushing yards). Watch if Alex Van Pelt calls more designed runs to keep the Texans' pass rush honest.
The 16-3 win last week was the foundation. Tomorrow determines if this "New Era" in New England is ahead of schedule or just getting started.