So, you're looking for what time does patriots play tomorrow, right? Honestly, there’s nothing like the buzz of playoff football in New England, especially when the stakes are this high. If you're checking your calendar today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, you've actually got a tiny bit of breathing room before the chaos starts.
The New England Patriots do not play tomorrow, Friday, January 16. Instead, they are gearing up for a massive AFC Divisional Round clash against the Houston Texans this coming Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 3:00 PM ET.
What Time Does Patriots Play Tomorrow? Let's Clear Up the Schedule
Basically, the NFL playoffs follow a very specific rhythm. While there are games on Saturday, the Patriots got the Sunday afternoon slot. It’s that prime 3:00 PM window where the sun starts to dip over Gillette Stadium and the air gets that real "playoff chill."
If you were hoping to watch them on Friday, you can spend that time prepping your wings or checking the injury report instead. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC, so you won't have to go hunting through obscure streaming apps to find it. If you're local to the Boston area, WCVB-TV Channel 5 usually carries the simulcast.
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For the radio crowd, 98.5 The Sports Hub starts their pregame coverage way early—usually around noon. Listening to Scott Zolak get fired up before kickoff is basically a Massachusetts tradition at this point.
Why This Patriots vs. Texans Matchup is Actually Historic
This isn't just another game. The 2025-2026 Patriots season has been, frankly, insane. We’re talking about a team that went 4-13 last year and somehow flipped the script to finish 14-3 this season. That 10-game turnaround ties the NFL record for the biggest single-season improvement in history.
Mike Vrabel, the head coach, has this defense playing like it’s 2003 again. In their Wild Card win against the Los Angeles Chargers last week (a 16-3 defensive masterclass), they held the Chargers to zero touchdowns and under 150 yards passing. The only other team to put up stats like that in a playoff game was the '85 Bears. Yeah, that's the level we're talking about.
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Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud: The Battle of the New Guard
A huge reason people are searching for the what time does patriots play tomorrow info is the quarterback duel. Drake Maye has been a revelation. His PFF grade this season is sitting at a staggering 89.6. On the other side, you’ve got C.J. Stroud, who just dismantled the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night.
Stroud is playing with a lot of confidence, but he’s heading into Foxborough, where the Patriots are notoriously difficult to beat in January. The Texans' defense is ranked #1 in some metrics, but the Patriots' offense is #3. It’s strength vs. strength.
Watching the Game: Quick Reference
If you just need the fast facts to text a friend, here’s the breakdown:
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- The Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- The Time: 3:00 PM ET
- The Place: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+
- Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (Boston)
What to Watch Out For
Keep an eye on the weather. In Foxborough, January weather is its own player on the field. Forecasts are currently hinting at a cold, crisp afternoon, which usually favors the home team’s ground game.
Also, watch the injury report for Texans receiver Nico Collins. He’s been dealing with a head injury and his status is currently questionable. If he can't go, the Texans' offense loses a massive vertical threat, which makes the Patriots' job a lot easier on the perimeter.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your DVR: Make sure you've got ABC or ESPN set to record if you can't be in front of the TV by 3:00 PM on Sunday.
- Download the Gillette Stadium App: If you're one of the lucky ones with tickets (which are currently reselling for about $300+ on Ticketmaster), you'll need the app for your digital tickets and parking info.
- Sync your clock: Remember, the Saturday games (Bills vs. Broncos and 49ers vs. Seahawks) will determine who the winner of this game plays next. If the Bills win on Saturday, and the Patriots win on Sunday, the AFC Championship is going to be a bloodbath.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara goes through Foxborough this weekend. Whether you're a die-hard or just a casual viewer, 3:00 PM on Sunday is the time to be ready.