So, it’s Divisional Round Sunday. If you're scanning the web trying to figure out what time is the patriots game on today, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around Foxborough is different this year. It's January 18, 2026, and the New England Patriots are back in the thick of the postseason hunt.
Honestly, for a second there, some of us thought the dynasty era was the only peak we’d ever see. But here we are. The Patriots are set to host C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. It's a high-stakes afternoon matchup that basically decides who moves one step closer to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.
Kickoff Time and Where to Watch
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first because missing the opening kickoff is the absolute worst.
The Patriots game starts at 3:00 PM ET today. If you are on the West Coast, you're looking at a 12:00 PM PT start—perfect for a football brunch. For those watching on the big screen, the game is being broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN. If you prefer the Spanish-language broadcast, head over to ESPN Deportes.
Streaming is pretty straightforward these days. You can catch the live action on the ESPN app, but you'll need a cable login. If you’ve cut the cord, services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV have you covered. NFL+ is also an option for mobile viewing if you’re stuck running errands during the first half.
Why This Matchup is Kinda Personal
This isn't just another playoff game. There’s some history here that makes this matchup sort of spicy.
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Remember back in October 2024? Drake Maye made his first NFL start against these very same Texans. It was a bit of a "welcome to the league" moment. Maye threw three touchdowns but also got picked off twice and spent a lot of time on his back thanks to four sacks. Houston walked away with a 41-21 win that day.
Fast forward fifteen months.
Drake Maye has turned into a legitimate franchise quarterback. He finished the 2025 regular season with over 4,300 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. He’s not that jittery rookie anymore. On the other side, C.J. Stroud is leading a Texans team that is currently on a massive 10-game winning streak.
The Stefon Diggs Factor
Adding another layer to the drama? Stefon Diggs. The veteran receiver is now wearing a Patriots jersey after a short, injury-plagued stint with... you guessed it, the Houston Texans. He only played eight games for them in 2024 before a knee injury sidelined him. Now, he’s Maye’s primary target. You can bet he wants to show his former team exactly what they're missing out on.
Key Stats to Know Before Kickoff
If you're at a watch party and want to sound like you've done your homework, keep these numbers in your back pocket.
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- 14-3: That's the Patriots' record this season. They’ve been dominant at home.
- 28.8: The average points per game for New England, which led the AFC.
- #1 Defense: The Texans aren't just winning; they are stifling people. They have the top-ranked defense in the NFL right now.
- 15 Sacks: Houston’s Danielle Hunter is a nightmare for offensive tackles. The Patriots' rookie left tackle, Will Campbell, is going to have his hands full today.
What to Watch For on the Field
The big question is whether the Patriots' offensive line can hold up. Last week against the Chargers, they gave up a few too many pressures. If they do that today, Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. will live in the backfield.
Also, keep an eye on the Texans' injury report. Their star receiver, Nico Collins, is out with a concussion. That’s a huge blow for Stroud. It means guys like Christian Kirk—who actually had a massive game against the Steelers last week—and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have to step up.
New England’s defense has been solid, but they’ve occasionally struggled against mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays. Stroud is a master at that. Robert Spillane and Harold Landry III need to maintain their rush lanes, or it's going to be a long afternoon of chasing #7 around the turf.
Game Day Essentials
If you are heading down to Foxborough, be prepared for typical January weather. It’s going to be chilly. Tailgating is part of the soul of Gillette, so get there early, but remember that security lines can get backed up right before the 3:00 PM kickoff.
For the home viewers, make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than the ESPN app forcing an update at 2:59 PM.
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Summary Checklist:
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
- TV: ABC / ESPN
- Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (Local) / SiriusXM Channel 225
- Live Stream: Fubo, YouTube TV, NFL+
The winner of this one moves on to the AFC Championship game next Sunday. The Patriots are looking for their first trip back to that stage since 2018. The Texans, meanwhile, have never made it that far in franchise history. Something has to give.
Get your snacks ready. Check your internet connection. Now you know exactly what time is the patriots game on today, so there's no excuse to miss a single snap of this Divisional showdown.
Ensure your streaming devices are logged in and authenticated at least fifteen minutes before the 3:00 PM ET kickoff to avoid authentication errors during high-traffic windows. If you're attending in person, have your digital tickets pulled up in your mobile wallet before approaching the Gillette Stadium gates to ensure a smooth entry.