The playoffs are here. Honestly, if you told a Patriots fan a year ago that they’d be hosting a Divisional Round game in January 2026, they probably would’ve laughed you out of the room. But here we are.
Who do the New England Patriots play on Sunday? They are set to host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. This isn't just another game; it’s a high-stakes AFC Divisional Playoff matchup with a trip to the Conference Championship on the line.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 18, 2026. You can catch the broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
The Matchup: Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud
This game is basically a dream for anyone who loves high-level quarterback play. On one side, you've got Drake Maye, who has completely revitalized the region. He finished the regular season with over 4,300 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
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On the other side? C.J. Stroud.
Stroud just dismantled the Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card round. He’s poised, he’s accurate, and he doesn't blink in hostile environments. Even though the Patriots are 3-point favorites at home, nobody is overlooking what DeMeco Ryans has built in Houston.
The Texans aren't just a "happy to be here" team. Their defense is legitimately terrifying. They rank first in the league in EPA per drop-back. With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter coming off the edges, Drake Maye is going to have the shortest internal clock of his life this Sunday.
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Why This Game Matters So Much
The turnaround in Foxborough is nothing short of historic. New England finished the regular season 14-3. That’s a 10-game improvement from their abysmal 4-13 finish in 2024. They’ve tied the NFL record for the largest year-over-year turnaround, a mark previously held by the '99 Colts and the '08 Dolphins.
Winning on Sunday would cement this season as more than just a "good story."
Key Stats to Watch
- Patriots Defense: They just held the Chargers to 3 points in the Wild Card round.
- Houston's Ground Game: Rookie Woody Marks is coming off a 112-yard performance against Pittsburgh.
- Home Field: Gillette Stadium is notoriously loud in January. The forecast is calling for 34°F—classic New England playoff weather.
The Texans have never advanced past the Divisional Round in their 24-year history. They’re hungry to break that curse. Meanwhile, the Patriots are trying to prove that the dynasty isn't dead—it just took a nap and woke up with a new quarterback.
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How to Watch and Bet
If you're looking for the specifics, the betting total is currently sitting at 40.5. Vegas expects a bit of a defensive grind, which makes sense given how well both units played last weekend.
TV: ESPN / ABC / WCVB (Channel 5 in Boston)
Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub
Streaming: ESPN+
The winner of this game moves on to the AFC Championship on January 25. If the Broncos win their matchup against the Bills, the winner of the Pats-Texans game will likely be heading to Denver. If Buffalo pulls the upset, the AFC title game could potentially stay right here in Foxborough.
Final Thoughts for Sunday
Keep an eye on the injury report regarding Nico Collins. He left the Wild Card game early, and if he’s limited, the Texans' passing attack loses its most vertical threat. For New England, it’s all about protecting Maye. If the offensive line holds up against that Houston front four, the Patriots have a clear path to the next round.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Weather: If you're heading to the stadium, the 34-degree high means lots of layers. Tailgating starts early, but the wind off the coast can be brutal.
- Verify your Stream: If you’re watching on ESPN+, make sure your subscription is active at least an hour before the 3:00 PM kickoff to avoid login headaches.
- Monitor the Spread: Lines have been wiggling between Patriots -2.5 and -3.5 all week. If you're a betting person, wait to see if it drops back to 2.5 before kickoff.