The energy in Foxborough right now is absolutely electric. If you've walked anywhere near Patriot Place this week, you can feel it. People are actually wearing jerseys to the grocery store again, and not just out of habit—there’s real, genuine hope. So, let’s get straight to the point because I know why you’re here. The New England Patriots are playing the Houston Texans this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
This isn't just another regular-season game where we’re checking the draft order by the fourth quarter. It’s the AFC Divisional Round. We are deep in the postseason, and the stakes are about as high as they get without a trophy being physically in the building. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM EST at Gillette Stadium.
The Matchup: Patriots vs. Texans (Divisional Round)
Honestly, if you told me back in September that Drake Maye would be leading this team into a home playoff game against C.J. Stroud in January, I’d have asked what you were drinking. But here we are. The Patriots finished the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record, grabbing the No. 2 seed and recently dispatching the Chargers in a 16-3 defensive masterclass during the Wild Card round.
The Texans are coming in hot after basically dismantling the Steelers 30-6. They are 12-5 and playing like they have absolutely nothing to lose.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
Where and How to Watch
You don't want to be the person frantically scrolling through Twitter (X) trying to find a stream while the game is already in the second quarter. Here is the lowdown on how to catch the action:
- TV Channels: The game is being broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN.
- Radio: If you’re stuck in the car, 98.5 The Sports Hub is the place to be for the local call.
- Streaming: You can find it on the ESPN app or via NFL+ if you have the subscription.
Why This Game is Kinda Terrifying (and Exciting)
Most people asking who are the New England Patriots playing this Sunday are really trying to gauge if we’re actually going to win this thing. Vegas has the Patriots as 3-point favorites, which is basically a "we have no idea" spread in the betting world. It’s tight.
The Texans are trying to do something that hasn't been done in NFL history: reach a Conference Championship after starting the season 0-3. That’s a dangerous kind of momentum. C.J. Stroud has been surgical, even if he’s going to be missing his top target, Nico Collins, who is reportedly out in concussion protocol.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
On our side, the defense has been the soul of this team. Christian Gonzalez is officially "good to go" after clearing his own concussion protocol, which is a massive sigh of relief for anyone worried about Stroud picking apart the secondary. We’ve been allowing only about 17.9 points per game at home, which is elite by any standard.
The Drake Maye Factor
It's weird calling a rookie the "veteran" presence in a way, but Maye has played with a poise that reminds you of... well, let's not say the name and jinx it. He’s taking on a Texans defense that just held Pittsburgh to zero touchdowns. Woody Marks, the Texans' rusher, is also coming off a 112-yard performance. Our front seven, led by guys like Keion White and potentially a banged-up Harold Landry III (who is listed as questionable), has to stop the run early.
If we can’t stop Marks, Stroud will use that play-action to find Christian Kirk or Jayden Higgins all day long.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Key Stats to Obsess Over
- Patriots Home Record: We are 7-1 in our last 8 home games against Houston. Gillette is a house of horrors for them historically.
- The Over/Under: It's sitting at 40.5. That tells you the experts expect a defensive slog, not a 45-42 shootout.
- Turnover Margin: Houston only gave the ball away 12 times all season. They are careful. We have to be aggressive.
What to Watch For on Sunday
When you’re settling into your couch or standing in the freezing cold at the stadium, keep an eye on the Patriots' offensive line. Maye needs time. If the Texans' pass rush gets home early, it’s going to be a long afternoon of check-downs and punts.
Also, watch the red zone efficiency. In the Wild Card win over the Chargers, the Pats struggled to turn drives into six points, settling for field goals. You can't do that against C.J. Stroud. He scores too fast.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to engage with the game this weekend, here’s how to do it right:
- Check the Final Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Harold Landry III's status. If he’s out, our pass rush loses its teeth, and that changes the entire defensive game plan.
- Get to Foxborough Early: If you have tickets, the "Patriots Pregame Show" starts at 1:45 PM outside the stadium. Traffic on Route 1 is going to be a nightmare, so plan for double the usual travel time.
- Monitor the Weather: It’s January in New England. While there's no major snow in the forecast for Sunday yet, the wind at Gillette can do weird things to the kicking game.
- Set Your DVR: Even if you're watching live, you'll want to re-watch some of these Drake Maye throws. This kid is the real deal.
The winner of this game moves on to the AFC Championship against either the Broncos or the Bills. It’s getting real. Enjoy the game, stay warm, and let’s see if this new era of Patriots football can keep the dream alive for another week.