So, you’re looking for the game. Honestly, the post-Belichick era has been a wild ride, and if you haven’t checked the schedule lately, things are getting serious in Foxborough.
The New England Patriots aren't actually on the field today, Thursday, January 15, 2026. The NFL usually keeps Thursdays for the regular season, but we are deep in the postseason now. If you're asking what channel is the patriots playing today, you’re actually looking ahead to this coming weekend. New England is slated to face the Houston Texans in a massive AFC Divisional Round showdown.
Where to Find the Patriots Game on TV
The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 3:00 PM ET.
You can catch the national broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
If you’re local to the Boston area, you’ve got the familiar option of WCVB-TV Channel 5. The broadcast booth is going to be the heavy-hitting duo of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. They’ll be joined by Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge on the sidelines. It’s the standard Monday Night Football crew shifted over to a Sunday afternoon slot, which tells you exactly how much weight the league is putting on this Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud matchup.
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Streaming and Radio Options
Maybe you’re not near a TV. It happens.
- ESPN+: The game will be streaming live here for anyone with a subscription.
- NFL+: If you’re on a mobile device and in the local market, this is your best bet.
- 98.5 The Sports Hub: For the traditionalists, Bob Socci and Scott Zolak will be on the call. There’s something about Zolak’s energy during a playoff game that just hits different.
- Westwood One: This is the national radio home for the game if you're driving outside of New England.
Why This Game is Actually a Big Deal
Look, the Patriots finished the regular season at 14-3. That’s a massive turnaround. Under Mike Vrabel, this team has a grit that feels a lot like the early 2000s, but with a modern offensive spark.
They just finished dismantling the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card round. It wasn't the prettiest game, but the defense was suffocating. Justin Herbert was sacked six times. SIX.
Now they have to deal with Houston. The Texans are coming off a 30-6 blowout of the Steelers. C.J. Stroud is playing like a guy who doesn't care about "The Dynasty" or Gillette Stadium's reputation.
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Interestingly, these two teams didn’t play each other during the 2025 regular season. The last time they met was back in October 2024. That was Drake Maye’s first-ever NFL start. Houston won that one 41-21, and while Maye threw three touchdowns, he also tossed two picks. He’s a completely different player now—more poised, better at reading those zone-match coverages that DeMeco Ryans loves to run.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong About the Matchup
A lot of people think the Patriots' 14-3 record makes them the heavy favorites.
Kinda, but not really.
Houston has the number one ranked defense in the league right now. They allow only about 277 yards per game. Their pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, is basically a nightmare for any young quarterback.
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New England’s offensive line has been solid, but they haven't seen a front four like this in a while. The key is going to be whether Maye can use his legs—he had 66 rushing yards against the Chargers—to keep the chains moving when the pocket collapses.
Getting Ready for Sunday
Since there's no game today, you've got time to prep. If you’re heading to the stadium, keep in mind it’s January in Foxborough. The forecast is looking like typical playoff weather—chilly, but hopefully not a total blizzard.
- Check your digital tickets: Gillette went fully mobile a while ago. Make sure the app is updated.
- Download the Patriots App: If you want the live "Kirsch Words" blog or post-game pressers, it’s the only place to get them.
- Set the DVR: If you’re stuck at work until 4:00 PM, set it for ABC/ESPN now so you don't miss the opening drive.
The winner of this game moves on to the AFC Championship on January 25. If Buffalo beats Denver on Saturday, the AFC title game could actually return to Foxborough. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Houston is a problem.
Verify your cable login for the ESPN app today to avoid that "forgot password" panic five minutes before kickoff on Sunday.