So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. If you’re checking your watch on this Friday, January 16, 2026, wondering if you missed the coin toss, take a breath. You haven't. Honestly, the biggest mistake most fans make during the postseason is assuming the NFL follows the same rhythm as the regular season. It doesn't.
What time are the patriots playing football today? The short answer is: they aren't.
New England isn't taking the field today, Friday. Instead, they are deep in film sessions at Gillette Stadium, prepping for a massive AFC Divisional Round clash. If you want to see Drake Maye continue his "reclaim the throne" tour, you’ll have to wait until Sunday, January 18, 2026. The game is set for 3:00 PM ET.
It's been a wild ride to get here. Just a few days ago, the Patriots finally shook off a postseason curse that had been hanging over Foxborough since 2019. That 16-3 win over the Chargers wasn't exactly a high-flying offensive explosion, but it felt like old-school New England. Gritty. Mean. Effective. Now, the Houston Texans are coming to town, and the energy in Massachusetts is kind of electric.
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Why the Patriots Schedule Looks Different This Week
The NFL playoffs are a different beast. During the regular season, you can usually bet on a 1:00 PM Sunday start. But once we hit the Divisional Round, the league spreads things out to maximize those TV ratings.
Because the Patriots secured the No. 2 seed after a stellar 14-3 regular season, they earned the right to host this game. They’ve had a few extra days to rest compared to the Texans, who had to dismantle the Steelers on Monday night just to get here.
The Matchup Details
- Opponent: Houston Texans
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- Broadcast: ESPN / ABC
Basically, if you turn on the TV today looking for the game, you're going to find a lot of talk and no pads. Today is for the "inactives analysis" and the hype videos. The real action starts Sunday afternoon when the temperature is expected to be classic New England January—cold enough to make the ball feel like a brick.
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What to Watch While You Wait for Sunday
Since you have some time before kickoff, it’s worth looking at how we got here. Drake Maye, the rookie sensation who just got a second-team All-Pro nod, has been the story of the year. He threw for 268 yards in his playoff debut against the Chargers, but it was his 66 rushing yards that really broke Los Angeles' back.
He’s playing with a level of maturity that’s honestly surprising for his age. Mike Vrabel has this defense playing like a brick wall, too. Keeping Justin Herbert to just 3 points is no small feat.
But the Texans are a different problem. CJ Stroud and Stefon Diggs have a connection that is, frankly, terrifying for any secondary. Diggs has been fueled by some pretty intense pregame motivation lately, and he'll be looking to spoil the party in Foxborough.
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Key Storylines to Track Today
- Injury Updates: Keep an eye on Christian Gonzalez. He left the Wild Card game with a head injury. If he can't go, the Patriots' secondary loses its best weapon against Diggs.
- The Vrabel Factor: This is Mike Vrabel's first deep playoff run with New England as the head man. He knows this building better than anyone.
- The "Easy Schedule" Narrative: Some critics (looking at you, Wikipedia editors) claim the Patriots had the second-easiest schedule since 2002. Sunday is the chance to prove that a 14-3 record wasn't just a fluke of the calendar.
How to Watch the Patriots on Sunday
Since the game isn't today, you have plenty of time to make sure your streaming setup is actually working. Nothing ruins a playoff Sunday like a "buffering" wheel right when the Patriots are in the red zone.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC. If you've cut the cord, you can find the stream on ESPN+ or through services like Fubo. For those who prefer the local flavor, 98.5 The Sports Hub will have the radio call.
Final Thoughts for the Weekend
Don't let the Friday lull fool you. The Divisional Round is often the best weekend of football in the entire year. While you're asking what time are the patriots playing football today, remember that the anticipation is half the fun.
The road to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco goes through Foxborough this weekend. If the Patriots win on Sunday, they’ll be just one step away from the AFC Championship.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the final injury report on Saturday afternoon to see if Christian Gonzalez cleared concussion protocol.
- Make sure your ESPN+ subscription is active if you aren't using cable.
- Set your DVR for 3:00 PM ET Sunday so you don't miss the opening drive.