The energy in New England hasn't felt like this in years. Honestly, if you walked into a Dunks anywhere from Revere to Providence this morning, you probably heard the same two names: Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel. People are finally looking for the score of the New England Patriots game today because, for the first time since the Brady era ended, the postseason actually feels real again.
It’s January 16, 2026. The air is crisp, and the Patriots are officially back in the hunt.
Last weekend was a statement. A lot of people doubted if this young roster was ready for the bright lights of the Wild Card round. They were wrong. The Patriots took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, grinding out a 16-3 victory that was much more dominant than the scoreboard suggests. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective. It was "Patriot Football," just with a new, younger face behind center.
Breaking down the New England Patriots game today
If you’re checking the schedule for the score of the New England Patriots game today, you won't find one just yet—but you will find a team preparing for a massive Divisional Round clash. After beating the Chargers 16-3 on Sunday night, New England is currently in the "lab" at Gillette Stadium. They don't play today, Friday, January 16. Instead, they are gearing up for a Sunday afternoon showdown against the Houston Texans.
That game kicks off Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 PM EST.
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The Wild Card win was a defensive masterclass. Justin Herbert is a world-class quarterback, but the Patriots' front seven made him look human. They sacked him six times. Six! Milton Williams was a monster, even accidentally bloodying Coach Vrabel’s lip during a celebratory head-butt. That’s the kind of intensity this team is playing with right now. They allowed only 207 total yards and zero touchdowns. In the NFL playoffs, that is almost unheard of.
Drake Maye’s playoff arrival
Drake Maye is the real deal. You’ve probably seen the highlights by now, but the stats don't tell the full story of his poise. He finished 17 of 29 for 268 yards, adding 66 yards on the ground.
Most importantly? He didn't blink.
Even after an early interception that could have shaken a rookie, he stayed calm. He waited until the fourth quarter to deliver the dagger: a 28-yard rainbow to Hunter Henry that basically ended the Chargers' season. It was the first time a Patriots player had 250+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards in a playoff game. Ever. Not even the GOAT did that.
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What to expect against the Texans
The Texans are a different beast. They have the No. 1 ranked defense in the league, led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. Those guys are terrifying off the edge. When the Patriots played Houston back in 2024, it was a disaster. A 41-21 loss that felt like a reality check.
But this isn't the same Patriots team.
- Rhamondre Stevenson is running like he’s possessed.
- Kayshon Boutte has emerged as a legitimate deep threat.
- Andy Borregales has been automatic, hitting three field goals in the Wild Card win.
The biggest question mark is the injury report. Christian Gonzalez left the last game with a head injury, and he’s currently in concussion protocol. If he can't go against Houston's receivers, the secondary is going to have a long afternoon. Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. are also nursing knee injuries, which isn't great when you’re facing the league's best pass rush.
Looking ahead to Sunday
The score of the New England Patriots game today might be 0-0 in the standings, but the momentum is all on their side. Foxborough is going to be loud on Sunday. The betting odds have the Patriots as 3-point favorites, which feels about right given the home-field advantage and how well the defense is clicking.
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This game is basically a battle of the young titans. Maye vs. C.J. Stroud. Two of the best young arms in the league fighting for a spot in the AFC Championship.
If you're planning your weekend around the Pats, make sure you're in front of a TV by 3:00 PM on Sunday. It’s being broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Given how stingy both defenses are, don't expect a 40-point blowout. It’s likely going to be another "ugly" win, which is exactly how Mike Vrabel likes it.
Actionable insights for Patriots fans
To get ready for the Divisional Round, you should keep a close eye on the final injury reports released on Saturday. Specifically, check the status of Christian Gonzalez and Hunter Henry. If Gonzalez is cleared to play, the Patriots' chances of neutralizing the Texans' passing attack skyrocket. Additionally, watch for any news regarding the weather at Gillette Stadium; a classic New England January afternoon with wind or light snow would heavily favor the Patriots' superior rushing attack led by Stevenson and Maye's mobility.
Plan to tune in early for the pre-game shows to see if there are any last-minute changes to the offensive line configuration, as protecting Drake Maye from the Texans' edge rushers will be the single most important factor in whether New England advances to their first AFC Title game in seven years.