It is that time of year where every hit feels a little harder and every play call carries the weight of an entire season. If you are staring at your remote wondering what channel is Houston Texans playing on for this weekend’s massive playoff matchup, you aren't alone. NFL schedules during the postseason get a bit chaotic with all the different networks sharing the load.
Honestly, the energy around H-Town right now is electric. After that dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers in the Wild Card round, DeMeco Ryans has this squad looking like a legitimate threat. But to see if C.J. Stroud can keep the magic alive against the New England Patriots, you need to know exactly where to tune in.
The Short Answer: Where to Watch the Texans vs. Patriots
The Houston Texans are scheduled to play the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC.
If you are in the Houston area, you’ll likely find it on your local ABC affiliate (KTRK-TV Channel 13). For those watching via cable or satellite elsewhere, ESPN is your primary destination. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM CST (3:00 PM EST).
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What Channel is Houston Texans Playing On for Streaming?
Not everyone uses a traditional cable box these days. In fact, most of us are probably juggling three different streaming apps just to find the right game. If you’ve cut the cord, you have several reliable ways to catch the Divisional Round action without a grainy pirate stream.
ESPN+ will be carrying the game live. It’s the easiest "set it and forget it" option if you already have the Disney bundle.
Then there is NFL+. This is the league’s own service. It’s great for mobile viewing, but keep in mind that local blackout rules usually apply to regular season games—though for a national playoff broadcast like this, it’s usually a safe bet for phone or tablet streaming.
FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry ABC and ESPN. If you are currently on a free trial or a monthly sub for any of those, you are good to go.
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Viewing Options at a Glance:
- Television: ABC (Local), ESPN (National)
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV
- Radio: SportsRadio 610 AM, The Bull 100.3 FM
- Spanish Broadcast: Mega 101 FM
Why This Matchup Matters So Much
The Texans headed into this season with low expectations from the national media, but they’ve basically flipped the script on everyone. Seeing them reach the Divisional Round after an 0-3 start to the regular season is nothing short of a miracle. Now they have to head into the cold of Foxborough to face Mike Vrabel and a Patriots team that has been surprisingly resilient with Drake Maye under center.
It is a "student vs. teacher" vibe. DeMeco Ryans has built a defense that flies to the ball. On the other side, Vrabel—a former Texans defensive coordinator himself—knows exactly how to muck up a game plan.
If you're wondering what channel is Houston Texans playing on because you want to see the "H-Town Made" culture in action, this is the one. The winner moves on to the AFC Championship, likely facing the Denver Broncos or Buffalo Bills.
Technical Details for the Die-Hards
The game is being played at Gillette Stadium. Expect the weather to be a factor. While we don't have the exact forecast yet, January in Massachusetts is never "dome-like."
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For the audio-only crowd, Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware will be on the call for the Texans Radio Network. There is something about Andre Ware’s excitement that makes a big play feel ten times bigger. You can also stream the radio call through the official Houston Texans app if you’re stuck in the car.
Common Hurdles for Viewers
Sometimes you flip to ESPN and see a talking head show instead of the game. If that happens, check your local ABC station. Because this is a "Simulcast," the NFL often splits the feed to ensure the widest possible reach.
If you are an out-of-market fan, don’t panic. Unlike the regular season where you might need NFL Sunday Ticket to see the Texans, the playoffs are national. You don’t need a special sports package to find out what channel is Houston Texans playing on this week—as long as you have a basic way to get ABC or ESPN, you’re in.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your signal: If you use a digital antenna, scan your channels today to make sure ABC (Channel 13 in Houston) is coming in clear.
- Update your apps: If you're using ESPN+ or the NFL app, run an update now so you aren't stuck waiting for a download at 1:59 PM.
- Set the DVR: If you have to work or run errands, set your recording for "Texans at Patriots" on ESPN/ABC. Add an extra 60 minutes to the end time—playoff games often go long due to reviews or overtime.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the local radio call over the national TV announcers, use the Audacy app to stream SportsRadio 610, though you might have to pause your TV for a few seconds to get the sync just right.
This game is going to be a battle. The Texans are currently listed as slight underdogs on most books, but they’ve played better on the road lately than they have at NRG. Grab your gear, find your spot on the couch, and get ready for a Sunday afternoon of playoff football.