If you’re waking up on this Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and scrolling through your phone to figure out what time is the patriots football game today, I’ve got some news that might make you put the wings back in the freezer for a few days.
There is no game today.
Now, don't get frustrated. I know the feeling of being hyped for playoff football only to realize the calendar isn't cooperating. The New England Patriots are currently in the thick of a massive postseason run after their dominant 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. But because of how the NFL Divisional Round is structured, the Patriots won't be taking the field at Gillette Stadium until Sunday, January 18, 2026.
When Do the Patriots Actually Play?
If you were hoping for a mid-week surprise, the NFL schedule-makers usually reserve those for the regular season (and even then, it's mostly Thursdays). For this week’s AFC Divisional showdown against the Houston Texans, the kickoff is officially set for 3:00 PM EST this coming Sunday.
It’s a bit of a wait. Honestly, the four-day gap between now and kickoff feels like a month when you’re coming off a regular season where the Pats went 14-3. They’ve earned the No. 2 seed, and since the top-seeded Denver Broncos have the week off, all eyes in the AFC are shifting toward Foxborough.
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The Sunday Broadcast Details
You’ve got a couple of options for watching this one. Unlike the Wild Card round which was tucked away on NBC/Peacock, this Divisional game is getting the big-stage treatment.
- Television: ABC and ESPN are handling the national broadcast.
- Local Channel: If you’re in the Boston area, you can catch it on WCVB-TV Channel 5.
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub is still the go-to for Bob Socci and Scott Zolak’s call.
- Streaming: ESPN+ and the NFL+ app will have the digital rights for those watching on tablets or phones.
Why Everyone Is Looking for the Game Time Today
There’s a reason search volume for what time is the patriots football game today spikes on Wednesdays. We’re in that weird "limbo" part of the playoffs. The Texans just finished dismantling the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night, so the matchup was only officially confirmed about 36 hours ago.
When a team plays on Monday night—like Houston just did—the NFL tries to give them as much recovery time as possible. That’s why New England isn't playing in the Saturday slot. If you were hoping for a Saturday afternoon game while doing yard work or errands, you’ll have to settle for the Buffalo vs. Denver matchup instead.
What to Expect at Gillette Stadium
The vibes in Foxboro are different this year. Mike Vrabel has this defense playing like it’s 2003 again. They absolutely suffocated Justin Herbert last week, recording six sacks and allowing zero touchdowns. It was a masterclass in situational football.
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But there’s a massive "if" hanging over this Sunday.
Christian Gonzalez, the Pro Bowl cornerback, is currently in concussion protocol. He went out in the fourth quarter of the Chargers game, and his status is the biggest storyline in New England right now. Without him, facing a Texans offense that just put up 30 points on a tough Pittsburgh defense becomes a much taller order.
Houston’s defense is no joke, either. They ended the regular season ranked No. 1 in several metrics, and they’ve got a pass rush led by Will Anderson Jr. that can ruin a young quarterback’s day. Drake Maye had a rough outing against them way back in October of 2024, throwing two picks in a 41-21 loss. This Sunday is his chance for a "receipt" game.
Ticket Prices Are Getting Wild
If you’re thinking about heading down to Route 1 to see it in person, bring your checkbook. Resale prices on SeatGeek and StubHub are hovering right around $300 for "nosebleed" seats. For a Divisional playoff game at home, that’s actually somewhat standard, but it’s a steep jump from the regular-season prices we saw in November.
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Key Storylines for Sunday afternoon
- The Rematch: The 2024 loss to Houston was a turning point for Drake Maye. Watching how he handles their zone-heavy "Seattle-3" scheme this time around will tell us if he’s truly ready for the Super Bowl stage.
- The Vrabel Factor: Mike Vrabel knows DeMeco Ryans’ system. It’s a chess match between two of the best defensive minds in the league.
- The Weather: It’s mid-January in Massachusetts. Early forecasts suggest temperatures in the low 30s. That usually favors the home team, especially a Houston squad used to playing under a roof or in the Texas heat.
Basically, use today to get your errands done. Use tomorrow to argue with your friends about whether the Pats can cover the spread. By the time Sunday at 3:00 PM rolls around, you’ll want to be firmly planted on your couch.
The road to the AFC Championship goes through Foxborough. It’s been a while since we could say that with this much confidence.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor Christian Gonzalez’s status on Thursday and Friday; if he’s a "DNP" (Did Not Practice), the betting lines will likely shift toward Houston.
- Update Your Apps: Ensure your NFL+ or ESPN app is updated today to avoid "forced update" lag right at kickoff on Sunday.
- Plan Your Travel: If you are attending the game, remember that Gillette Stadium parking lots typically open four hours before kickoff (11:00 AM EST), and Route 1 traffic is notoriously worse during playoff weekends.