If you’re frantically refreshing your feed asking what time is the Texans playing today, take a deep breath. You aren't alone. The post-season schedule always gets a little murky once we hit the Divisional Round, especially with games spread across Saturday and Sunday.
Honestly, the hype around Houston right now is unreal. Ever since C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans flipped the script on this franchise, every game feels like a holiday in the 713. But today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Texans are actually in preparation mode rather than game mode.
They just came off a dominant 30-6 thumping of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. Because they played that Wild Card game on a Monday, the NFL gave them a bit of a "mini-bye" to recover before the next big hurdle.
When Do the Texans Actually Play?
The Houston Texans are scheduled to play the New England Patriots this coming Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 2:00 PM CST (3:00 PM ET for those traveling up to Foxborough).
It’s a massive AFC Divisional matchup. The Patriots are coming in as the No. 2 seed after a historic 14-3 turnaround season. Meanwhile, the Texans are the "hot team" nobody wants to see on their schedule.
Basically, you have a few days to get your brisket prepped and your lucky jersey washed.
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Quick Game Details:
- Matchup: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM CST / 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV Channel: ABC and ESPN
Why the Confusion About Today’s Schedule?
The NFL playoff calendar is a bit of a moving target. Since the league added the Monday Night Wild Card game, the "short week" factor has changed how the following weekend is scheduled.
Because the Texans played on Monday, January 12, they were never going to be slotted for the Saturday Divisional slot. The league almost always gives the Monday winner the Sunday game to ensure at least a six-day turnaround.
If you were looking for football today, the Thursday night slot is currently vacant as the league focuses on the heavy-hitter weekend games. The Divisional Round is strictly a Saturday/Sunday affair this year.
Where to Watch the Texans Game
If you aren't making the trek to Massachusetts, you've got plenty of ways to catch the action. This isn't one of those games hidden behind a specific streaming-only paywall.
ABC and ESPN are handling the national broadcast. This means if you have an antenna, cable, or a digital service like YouTube TV or Fubo, you're set. For the streamers who have gone fully digital, the game will also be available on ESPN+.
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Radio listeners in the Houston area can tune into SportsRadio 610 or 100.3 The Bull. There’s something about hearing Marc Vandermeer’s voice during a playoff run that just feels right, isn't there?
What’s at Stake for Houston?
Everything. A win on Sunday sends the Texans to the AFC Championship Game.
Think about how far this team has come. A few years ago, we were talking about top-three draft picks and coaching carousels. Now, we’re talking about a legitimate path to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.
The Patriots are formidable. They allowed under 100 yards rushing against the Chargers last week. Houston’s offensive line is going to have their hands full, but Stroud has shown time and again that he doesn't rattle easily in hostile environments.
The Playoff Road Ahead
If the Texans win on Sunday:
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- They move to the AFC Championship on January 25.
- If the No. 6 seed Bills somehow upset the No. 1 seed Broncos, the Texans could actually host the championship game at NRG Stadium.
- If Denver wins, the Texans will be heading to the altitude for a trip to the Super Bowl.
Getting Ready for Kickoff
Since the answer to what time is the Texans playing today is "not today," you should use this window to get your setup ready for Sunday.
Check your local listings to ensure your provider hasn't had any recent carriage disputes with Disney/ESPN—it happens more than you'd think. Also, if you’re planning on heading to a watch party at NRG Stadium, those tickets usually go fast. Ticketmaster and SeatGeek have already listed "Watch Party" events for those who want the stadium atmosphere without the flight to Boston.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Sync your calendar: Set an alert for 1:30 PM CST on Sunday so you don't miss the pre-game analysis.
- Check the Weather: If you're going to the game, Foxborough in mid-January is no joke. Forecasts are currently showing temps in the low 30s.
- Update Your Apps: Ensure your NFL or ESPN apps are updated for live scoring alerts if you have to be away from a TV.
The road to Super Bowl LX is narrowing. The Texans have as good a shot as anyone left in the bracket. Keep the Red and Blue gear ready. Sunday is going to be a battle.