If you’re waking up this Saturday morning in Houston, grabbing a breakfast taco, and checking your phone to see what time is the Texans game on today, you might notice something a bit confusing on your social media feed. People are already tailgating. Fans are wearing battle red at the grocery store. But here is the cold, hard truth that might save you from sitting on your couch three hours too early: The Houston Texans are not playing today, Saturday, January 17.
They play tomorrow.
The NFL divisional round schedule is a bit of a maze this year. Because the Texans played their Wild Card game on a Monday night—crushing the Steelers 30-6, by the way—the league gave them an extra day of rest. It makes sense. You can’t ask athletes to fly from Pittsburgh to Foxborough on a short week when a trip to the AFC Championship is on the line.
So, if you’re looking for the kickoff, here is the official word: The Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game is Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST (3:00 PM ET).
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Why Everyone Is Confused About the Schedule
Honestly, it’s easy to get mixed up. Today, Saturday, features a massive double-header. You’ve got the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos this afternoon, followed by the 49ers and Seahawks tonight. If you glance at a generic "NFL playoffs" headline, you’ll see today’s date and think the Texans are in the mix.
They aren't. Not yet.
DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud are currently in Massachusetts, likely finishing up their final walkthroughs at Gillette Stadium. This isn’t just another game. It’s the furthest this franchise has ever pushed, and they’re doing it after a season that started with three straight losses. Nobody expected them here.
Where and How to Watch the Texans Tomorrow
When tomorrow finally rolls around, you won't have to hunt through obscure streaming apps to find the broadcast. This is a premiere ESPN and ABC production.
- TV Channels: ABC and ESPN (simulcast)
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+, and any live TV service like Hulu + Live TV or Fubo
- Radio: SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM) for the local Houston call
The weather in Foxborough looks like typical January football weather—chilly, probably a bit damp, and definitely not the climate-controlled comfort of NRG Stadium.
The Stakes: A History-Making Matchup
The Texans are the No. 5 seed, but they’re playing like a team that belongs in the top two. After that defensive masterclass against Pittsburgh—where they became the first team since the 1940s to score multiple defensive touchdowns while giving up zero offensive touchdowns in a playoff game—the hype is real.
But there’s a massive hurdle. Nico Collins, the team’s leading receiver, has been ruled out with a concussion. That is a gut punch for the offense. You’ve basically got C.J. Stroud looking at a depth chart that includes Christian Kirk, who stepped up big time last week, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. It’s a lot to ask of the young guys.
On the other side, the Patriots aren't the Tom Brady-era Patriots, but they are dangerous. Drake Maye, their second-year quarterback, has been incredibly accurate. The Texans’ defense, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, has to keep Maye in the pocket. If he starts scrambling, things get messy. New England's Kayshon Boutte recently chirped that the Texans' defense "isn't too complicated." Whether that's confidence or just bulletin board material for DeMeco Ryans, we’ll find out tomorrow afternoon.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
A lot of national pundits are calling this a "house money" game for Houston. The logic is that because they weren't supposed to be here, a loss wouldn't be a failure.
If you’ve watched a single interview with DeMeco Ryans this week, you know that’s nonsense. This team isn't satisfied with a "good effort" in the divisional round. They are four quarters away from the first AFC Championship appearance in the history of the Houston Texans.
The biggest misconception is that the Patriots' home-field advantage is insurmountable. While Foxborough is a tough environment, the Texans just went into a raucous, freezing Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh and silenced the crowd in the first quarter. This roster doesn't seem to care about noise or history.
What to Do Today Instead
Since the Texans aren't on today, you have a few options to keep the energy up.
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game at 3:30 PM CST. This is your primary AFC competition. If the Bills pull off an upset in Denver and the Texans win tomorrow, the AFC Championship would actually be held in Houston. Let that sink in.
- Head to the Watch Party. If you’re in Houston, NRG Stadium is hosting a "Divisional Round Watch Party" tomorrow, but there are plenty of fan meetups happening today at local sports bars to prep for the big trip.
- Check the Injury Report one last time. Keep an eye on the status of the secondary. While Nico Collins is out, the defense needs to be at 100% to handle a New England offense that has been scoring nearly 30 points a game lately.
The wait is annoying, sure. But for a team that has waited decades for a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl, another 24 hours is nothing. Set your alarms for 2:00 PM tomorrow, keep your jerseys clean for one more day, and get ready for the biggest game in Houston football history.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your local TV listings to ensure ABC or ESPN is active on your service, especially if you’ve recently cut the cord. Download the Houston Texans app for real-time injury updates and in-game analysis. Finally, clear your schedule for Sunday afternoon—this isn't a game you'll want to catch the highlights of later.