Look, trying to track down a kickoff time in the middle of a playoff frenzy is always a bit of a mess. You're juggling snacks, fantasy updates, and that one friend who won't stop texting about parlay odds. If you were frantically googling what time was the patriots game today, I’ve got you covered.
The New England Patriots took the field at 3:00 PM EST today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
They hosted the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium for the AFC Divisional Round. It’s a massive game. Basically, the kind of game that defines the "post-Brady" era for real this time.
The Logistics: Kickoff and Where to Watch
If you missed the start, the game was broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN. For the local folks in the Boston area, WCVB Channel 5 was the go-to. It’s a Sunday afternoon slot, which honestly feels a lot better than those late-night primetime starts that leave everyone exhausted on Monday morning.
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- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM EST (2:00 PM CST)
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- National TV: ABC / ESPN
- Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (for the legendary Bob Socci and Scott Zolak call)
Weather in Foxborough today was... well, it’s January in New England. Cold. Grey. Exactly the kind of atmosphere the Patriots love to use to their advantage when a dome team like the Texans comes to town.
Why Today’s Game Matters
There is a lot of history being written right now. Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud is becoming one of those AFC rivalries we’re going to be talking about for the next decade. Remember earlier in the season when the Texans beat the Patriots 41-21? Maye hasn't forgotten. He actually mentioned in a press conference earlier this week that the "first-snap jitters" from their previous meeting are long gone.
This game isn't just about a win; it’s about a ticket to the AFC Championship. The Patriots haven’t been this deep since the 2018 season. That's a lifetime in football years. Mike Vrabel has this defense playing like a brick wall lately, especially after that 16-3 win over the Chargers last week.
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What Most Fans Missed About the Timing
People always get confused about the NFL playoff schedule because the league loves to flex times to maximize ratings. Initially, there was some chatter that this game might be the nightcap, but the NFL eventually slotted the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears game for the 6:30 PM EST "primetime" window.
This meant the Patriots got the afternoon sun—or what passes for it in Massachusetts in the winter.
Looking Ahead
Since the game started at 3:00 PM, it should be wrapping up right around now or very shortly, depending on how many official reviews the refs have called. If you're looking for the post-game analysis, the Patriots usually hold their press conferences about 20-30 minutes after the final whistle. You can catch those on the Patriots' official website or local sports news.
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If the Patriots pull this off, they’ll be heading to the AFC Championship next Sunday, January 25. The time for that is already tentatively set for 3:00 PM EST if they are the high seed hosting, but we'll have to see how the rest of the bracket shakes out.
Check the final box score on ESPN or NFL.com to see if TreVeyon Henderson managed to break 100 yards. His matchup against the Texans' front seven was always going to be the "X-factor" for this afternoon's outcome.
Next Steps:
If you missed the live action, the best way to catch up is the NFL+ "Game Reply" feature, which usually goes live a couple of hours after the broadcast ends. You can also tune into 98.5 The Sports Hub for the post-game "Patriots Postgame Show" to hear the immediate fan reaction and locker room interviews.