If you’re scrambling to find what channel the patriots play today, you aren't alone. It’s a huge Sunday in Foxborough. The New England Patriots are hosting the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round matchup that basically nobody saw coming a year ago.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM ET today, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, the energy around Gillette Stadium right now is different. After years of post-Brady wandering, Mike Vrabel has this squad looking like a defensive juggernaut again. They just smothered the Chargers 16-3 last week, and now C.J. Stroud and his Texans are coming to town.
Where to Watch the Patriots vs. Texans
You can catch the game nationally on ESPN and ABC.
Because this is a high-stakes playoff game, the NFL is pulling out the big guns. Joe Buck will be handling play-by-play while Troy Aikman provides the analysis. It’s essentially the Monday Night Football crew on a Sunday afternoon.
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If you are local to the New England area, you can also find the broadcast on WCVB-TV Channel 5.
Streaming and Radio Options
Maybe you don't have cable. That's fine. You’ve got options:
- Fubo: Probably the easiest way to stream the local ABC feed.
- Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Both carry ESPN and ABC.
- NFL+: You can stream the game on mobile devices if you have a subscription.
- ESPN+: The game will be available for digital subscribers there too.
For those stuck in the car or just preferring the old-school vibe, 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Bob Socci and Scott Zolak will be calling the action. On satellite radio, you can find the Patriots broadcast on SiriusXM Channel 225 and the Texans on Channel 226.
What’s at Stake Today?
This isn't just another game. The winner heads straight to the AFC Championship.
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The Patriots finished the regular season 14-3, tied for the best record in the league. It’s a massive 10-game turnaround from their dismal 4-13 finish in 2024. This kind of "worst-to-first" (or at least "worst-to-relevant") story is exactly why people are Googling what channel the patriots play today in record numbers.
Drake Maye is the X-factor. In his second year, he’s showing the kind of poise that makes people stop comparing him to the "other" guys who tried to fill the QB1 spot in New England. But he’s facing a Texans defense that just dismantled the Steelers.
Key Roster Moves Before Kickoff
Keep an eye on the secondary. The Patriots activated cornerback Alex Austin from IR yesterday. He’s been out since Week 12 with a wrist injury. While Christian Gonzalez is the star, having Austin back for special teams and depth is low-key huge against Houston’s speed.
They also elevated running back D'Ernest Johnson from the practice squad. With the weather in Foxborough always being a factor in January, expect a heavy dose of the run game if the wind picks up.
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Quick Facts for Today's Game
The Patriots are currently 3-point favorites.
It’s going to be a physical game. Pete Prisco over at CBS called it a "hit you in the mouth" kind of matchup. New England’s defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in their last six quarters of football. If they keep that up, Houston is in for a long afternoon.
If you’re looking for a score prediction, most experts are leaning toward a tight Patriots win, something like 20-17. The defense is just too disciplined right now.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your local listings: Even though it's on ABC/ESPN, local channel numbers vary by provider (Comcast vs. Verizon vs. DirectTV).
- Download the ESPN App: If you’re planning to stream, get the app authenticated now so you don't miss kickoff while typing in your password.
- Sync your radio: If you’re at the game or nearby, 98.5 FM is usually a few seconds ahead of the TV broadcast, which can be fun (or annoying) depending on how you like to watch.
Watching the Patriots in the Divisional Round used to be a yearly tradition. After a bit of a hiatus, it feels like that era might be starting back up. Set your DVR, grab your jersey, and make sure you’re tuned into ABC or ESPN by 3:00 PM.