If you're scrambling to find your remote because you need to know what channel does the Texans play today, you aren't alone. The Houston Texans are deep in the hunt, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and we are looking at a massive AFC Divisional Round showdown.
The Texans are headed into the cold at Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots. This isn't just another game; it’s a battle for a spot in the AFC Championship.
Where to Find the Texans Game Right Now
The game is being handled by the "Monday Night Football" crew, even though it's a Sunday. Basically, that means you need to flip over to ESPN or ABC.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM ET (which is 2:00 PM for those of us back in Houston). If you are local to the Boston area, it's also airing on WCVB-TV Channel 5. For everyone else, the national broadcast is the way to go.
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Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are on the call. You've got Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge handling the sidelines. It feels like a big-time primetime production because, honestly, it is.
Streaming Options and Digital Access
Not everyone has cable anymore. It's 2026, and most of us are just casting stuff from our phones anyway. If you're trying to stream the game, you've got several legitimate paths.
- The ESPN App: If you have a provider login, this is the most stable way.
- Fubo: They usually offer a free trial, which is a lifesaver if you're in a pinch.
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: Both of these carry ESPN and ABC, so you're covered there.
- NFL+: This works for local and primetime games on mobile devices. If you're stuck in a car or at a kids' birthday party, this is your best bet.
For the international fans—or maybe you're a Texan living in London—DAZN NFL Game Pass is the go-to. It carries the full US broadcast without the weird regional blackouts.
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Why This Matchup is Stressing Fans Out
There is a lot of talk about the injury report. The biggest blow to Houston right now is superstar receiver Nico Collins. He’s officially out with a concussion. That is a massive hole in the offense. Nico has been the safety net for this team all season, and playing a Bill Belichick-style defense (even in the post-Belichick era under Mike Vrabel) without your WR1 is... well, it's tough.
New England, on the other hand, is looking surprisingly healthy. Drake Maye has turned into a real problem for defensive coordinators.
The Stakes are Massive
The winner of this game doesn't just get bragging rights. They are heading to Denver next week. The Broncos already punched their ticket, but there’s a twist: Bo Nix is out.
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Whoever wins today between the Texans and Patriots will be facing Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship. That makes the path to the Super Bowl look a lot more wide open than it did 48 hours ago.
Quick Facts for the 2:00 PM Kickoff
- Matchup: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- Weather: It's cold. Real cold. Expect some wind to affect the kicking game.
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (New England) or look for the Texans Radio Network if you’re driving through Texas.
- National Radio: Westwood One will have John Sadak and Jason McCourty.
How to Prepare for Kickoff
Check your signal now. Don't wait until 2:55 PM to find out your ESPN+ app needs an update or your Wi-Fi is acting wonky. If you’re using an antenna, make sure ABC is coming in clear—sometimes the clouds over Houston can mess with the digital signal.
- Sync your apps: If you're watching via a stream, remember there is usually a 30-60 second delay. If you have friends texting you about touchdowns, keep your phone face down.
- Check the Inactives: Keep an eye on the final list released 90 minutes before kickoff. We know about Nico Collins, but sometimes there are late "flu-like symptoms" or calf strains that pop up during warmups.
- Plan the AFC Championship: Keep an eye on the bracket. The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow.
The Texans have been the "cardiac kids" this year. They find ways to stay in games they have no business being in. Even without Collins, expect C.J. Stroud to distribute the ball to Tank Dell and the tight ends early to get into a rhythm. It’s going to be a long afternoon in Foxborough.
Watch the Texans on ESPN or ABC at 3:00 PM ET.