So, you’re looking for the game. If you’re waking up this Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, and scrambling to find the New England Patriots on your TV dial, I’ve got some news that might make you put the remote down for a second.
The Patriots aren't actually playing today.
I know, I know. It’s Divisional Round weekend, the air is crisp, and the grill is probably already calling your name. But while the NFL playoffs officially kick off the second round today, New England doesn't take the field until tomorrow. If you want to know what station are the patriots playing on today, the answer is technically "none," but the answer for their actual game tomorrow is ABC and ESPN.
When and Where to Watch the Patriots Next
Since you’re likely planning your weekend around Mike Vrabel’s squad and their deep playoff run, here is the breakdown of when they actually suit up. The Patriots are scheduled to host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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Kickoff is locked in for 3:00 p.m. ET.
Because this is a marquee playoff matchup featuring two of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league—Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud—the NFL has given it the "megacast" treatment. You can find the game on ABC if you’re using a digital antenna or basic cable. If you prefer the cable sports giant, ESPN will carry the same broadcast.
Honestly, it’s going to be hard to miss. If you're a streamer, the ESPN+ app will have the live feed, and it'll also be available on NFL+ for those watching on mobile devices.
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What Games Are Actually On TV Today?
Since the Pats are idle until Sunday, you might be wondering what to do with your Saturday. The NFL has two games scheduled for today, January 17, and they’re both heavy hitters:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a massive AFC clash that determines who might face the winner of the Patriots-Texans game.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: An NFC West rivalry in the postseason? Yes, please. That one starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Why Everyone is Talking About Patriots vs. Texans
This isn't just another game. The "what station are the patriots playing on today" search is spiking because this matchup is a rematch of Drake Maye’s first-ever NFL start from back in 2024. Back then, the Texans kind of embarrassed New England, winning 41-21.
But things are different now.
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Maye has spent the 2025 season looking like a legitimate MVP candidate. Under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have transformed into a defensive juggernaut, coming off a stifling 16-3 win over the Chargers in the Wild Card round. They’ve held their last three opponents to 10 points or fewer. That’s insane.
The Texans are coming in hot, too. They just dismantled the Steelers 30-6, though they’ll be playing without star receiver Nico Collins, who is out with a concussion. It’s a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario.
Key Viewing Details for Patriots Fans
- TV Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, FuboTV
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (the local legendary call)
- Weather Forecast: There’s a rumor of snow in Foxborough. If that holds up, the "station" you'll want to be on is definitely the one showing the game from the comfort of your couch.
Actionable Next Steps for Game Day
Don't wait until 2:55 p.m. tomorrow to realize your streaming login is expired.
- Check your ESPN+ subscription today. If you’re a cord-cutter, make sure the app is updated on your smart TV or Roku.
- Sync your local listings. If you're outside the New England area, check if your local ABC affiliate is carrying the game (spoiler: they almost certainly are, since it's a national broadcast).
- Prepare for the cold. If you’re one of the lucky ones with tickets to Gillette, the forecast is looking brutal. Layers are your friend.
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game today. Since the winner of that game could be the Patriots' next hurdle if they advance, it’s worth keeping an eye on the CBS broadcast this afternoon.
Basically, enjoy the Saturday triple-header of other teams, but save your real energy for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. on ABC/ESPN.