If you’re wondering who does Houston Texans play this weekend, pack your parka. The Houston Texans are heading deep into enemy territory to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
This isn't just another game. It’s a collision between a defensive juggernaut and a storied franchise reborn.
The game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 18, 2026. You can catch it on ESPN or ABC.
Honestly, nobody expected this back in September. The Texans started the season 0-3. They looked lost. Fast forward to today, and they are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, coming off a 30-6 demolition of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round.
Where is the game being played?
The battle takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
It’s going to be cold. It might even be miserable. But for a Houston team that just made history by scoring multiple defensive touchdowns while allowing zero in a playoff game, the weather is just a backdrop.
What’s at stake for C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans?
History. Plain and simple.
If the Texans pull this off, they head to the AFC Championship for the first time in the history of the franchise. Think about that. This team has existed since 2002 and has never touched a conference title game.
C.J. Stroud is also chasing a legacy. If he wins, he and DeMeco Ryans become only the ninth QB-coach duo to reach a conference championship within their first three years together.
Why the New England matchup is terrifying
New England isn't the pushover they were a few seasons ago. They finished 14-3 this year. They are the No. 2 seed for a reason.
Their defense is a mirror image of Houston's—mean, disciplined, and opportunistic. In their Wild Card win against the Chargers, they allowed zero touchdowns and racked up six sacks.
It's essentially a "Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man" meme, but with 300-pound linemen.
Key injuries you need to know
You've probably heard the bad news. Nico Collins has been ruled out.
Losing your top receiver before a Divisional Round game is a gut punch. It means Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz have to play the games of their lives.
On the flip side, the Patriots have their own concerns. Christian Gonzalez has been on the injury report, though late word suggests he might be a go.
Who the winner faces next
The bracket is already set. The Denver Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller on Saturday.
This means the winner of Texans-Patriots has a date in Mile High. Denver earned the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage.
Matchup breakdown: Offense vs. Defense
Houston’s defense is the soul of this team right now. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are a nightmare on the edges. They have 27 combined sacks this season.
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But can the offense do enough?
Stroud threw for over 3,000 yards despite missing time with an injury. He’s efficient, but he’s facing a New England secondary that thrives on baiting young QBs into mistakes.
How to watch and stay updated
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT
- Channel: ABC / ESPN
- Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+
If you are in Houston, there is a massive Watch Party at NRG Stadium starting at 12:30 PM. They are opening the gates and putting the game on the big screens.
Final thoughts for the weekend
The Texans are underdogs. Most of the national media is picking the Patriots to end the "Houston Cinderella Story."
But this team hasn't cared about odds all year. They climbed out of an 0-3 hole to win 10 straight games at one point.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the weather report: If you're traveling to Foxborough, it’s currently projected to be in the low 30s.
- Set your DVR: This game overlaps with the late afternoon window, and with the defensive intensity expected, you won't want to miss a single series.
- Monitor the Concussion Protocol: Keep an eye on late-breaking news regarding the Texans' depth at receiver; with Collins out, any other minor injury becomes a major crisis.