So, the Houston Texans just dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, and honestly, the 30-6 final score didn't even tell the whole story. It was the first road playoff win in the history of the franchise. That's a huge deal. If you're asking when do the Texans play next, you're looking at a high-stakes trip to Foxborough.
The Texans are scheduled to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 3:05 p.m. ET (2:05 p.m. local Houston time).
The Playoff Roadmap
You've gotta love the drama of the NFL Divisional Round. Houston entered the postseason as the No. 5 seed with a 12-5 regular-season record. After taking care of business on Monday night against the Steelers, they find themselves in the final eight teams remaining.
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The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can catch the stream via the ESPN app or through services like Fubo or Hulu + Live TV.
Gillette Stadium is going to be cold. Really cold.
The Patriots (14-3) aren't exactly the same dynasty they were under Brady, but they’ve been surgical this year. They just shut down the Chargers 16-3 in their Wild Card matchup. It’s a classic battle of a surging, young Houston squad against a New England defense that basically refuses to give up explosive plays.
Why This Matchup Matters
A lot of people are underestimating what Houston is doing right now. This isn't just a "happy to be here" run. They won nine games in a row to end the regular season. That’s momentum you can’t simulate.
- The Quarterback Factor: C.J. Stroud (assuming he’s the pilot here in 2026) has been playing with a level of poise that makes veterans look shaky.
- The Defense: They just held a playoff team to 6 points. Six.
- The History: Houston has historically struggled in the second round, but this team feels different. They play with a sort of "nothing to lose" aggression that's dangerous in January.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If you’re already looking past the playoffs—maybe because you’re a planner or you just like to know who the rivals are—the 2026 regular season opponents are already set. The NFL hasn't released the exact dates or times yet (that usually happens in May), but we know who is coming to NRG Stadium.
Home Games at NRG Stadium:
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- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
Away Games for 2026:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Washington Commanders
That 2026 schedule is a meat grinder. Playing the NFC East and the AFC North means facing some of the most physical rosters in football. Plus, a road trip to Green Bay in what could be late autumn? That’s never easy.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re planning on watching the Divisional game this Sunday, verify your local listings. Sometimes kickoff times shift by a few minutes depending on how long the early game (usually a 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. start) runs.
Check your streaming logins now. Nothing ruins a playoff Sunday like a "forgot password" loop right as the ball is being kicked off.
Keep an eye on the injury report coming out of the Houston locker room. Playing on a Monday night means a shorter recovery window than the Patriots, who played their Wild Card game on Sunday. That one-day difference in rest is a massive talking point for scouts this week.
Make sure you've got your gear ready. Whether they win or lose in New England, this Texans team has officially put the league on notice.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Set your DVR or calendar alert for Sunday, January 18, at 3:05 p.m. ET.
- Monitor the mid-week injury reports to see if Houston's secondary is healthy enough to handle the New England air attack.
- If you’re planning to attend a game in the fall, look for the official NFL schedule release in May 2026 to book travel before prices spike.