The Houston Texans are rolling. Seriously, if you watched that dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, you saw a team that doesn't just look like a playoff participant—they look like a problem for the rest of the AFC. After a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win, everyone in H-Town has the same burning question on their mind: Who will the Texans play next?
The bracket has officially shifted, the dust has settled, and the travel plans are booked. Houston is heading to Foxborough.
Who do the Texans play next?
The Houston Texans will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
This isn't just another game. It’s a massive road test at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots aren't the same team from the post-Brady slump you might remember from a few years ago. Under Mike Vrabel—a name Texans fans know all too well—New England has transformed into a 14-3 juggernaut.
They secured the No. 2 seed for a reason. While the Texans were busy handling business against the Steelers, the Patriots were resting up with a first-round bye (and then watching the Wild Card rounds closely). Actually, New England technically played their "Wild Card" equivalent against the Chargers, but because of the seeding and the way the Bills upset the Jaguars, the path became crystal clear.
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When is the game?
Mark your calendars and maybe clear your Sunday afternoon plans.
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM EST (2:00 PM CST for the folks back in Houston)
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV Channel: ESPN / ABC
The Stroud vs. Maye Narrative
Honestly, the biggest story here is under center. We’ve got C.J. Stroud, who has basically become the "grown man" of young NFL quarterbacks, going up against Drake Maye.
Maye is in his second year and has been playing like a legitimate MVP candidate. Remember, these two met back in October of 2024. Houston actually beat the brakes off them back then, winning 41-21. But Maye was a rookie making his first-ever start that day. He threw three touchdowns but also coughed up two picks.
He’s not that guy anymore. He’s more poised, and the Patriots’ offense is humming at a top-3 clip. It's the classic "unstoppable force meets an immovable object" scenario because, let’s be real, the Texans' defense is scary right now.
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Why the Texans' Defense Changes Everything
If you’re wondering who do the Texans play next because you’re worried about the opponent, you should probably look at what Houston is bringing to the table first. DeMeco Ryans has built a monster.
The Texans finished the 2025 regular season with the No. 1 overall defense in the NFL. They allow just 277.2 yards per game. That is absurd in the modern NFL.
- The Edge Rushers: Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are a nightmare. They combined for 27 sacks this season.
- The Turnover Margin: Houston is +17. They don't just stop you; they take the ball away.
- The Recent Run: The Texans have won 10 games in a row. They haven't lost since early November.
New England's offensive line has to deal with Anderson and Hunter screaming off the edges. If they can’t protect Maye, it doesn't matter how many MVP votes he gets—he’ll be spending most of Sunday afternoon on his back.
Tactical Reality: The Gillette Factor
It’s going to be cold. It’s Foxborough in January. While the Texans have shown they can win anywhere—they just won in a chilly Pittsburgh environment—Gillette Stadium is a different beast in the playoffs.
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The Patriots' defense is no slouch either. They rank 4th in points allowed. They just held the Chargers to a measly 3 points in their last outing. It’s going to be a "phone booth" kind of game. Physical, violent, and likely decided by whoever flinches first on special teams or a random third-quarter turnover.
Looking Past the Divisional Round
Naturally, fans are already looking at the "what if." If the Texans pull off the upset in New England, they’ll be one win away from the Super Bowl.
If they win, they’ll play the winner of the Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos matchup. If Denver (the No. 1 seed) wins, the Texans would have to travel to Mile High for the AFC Championship. If the Bills pull off another upset, there’s a wild world where the AFC Championship game actually comes through Houston. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Foxborough is the only thing that matters right now.
Actionable Steps for Texans Fans
If you're planning on following the action, here's how to stay locked in:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the status of the Texans' secondary. Going up against Maye's deep ball requires everyone at 100%.
- Set the DVR: If you aren't watching live on ABC/ESPN, make sure your recording is set for 3 PM EST on Sunday.
- Local Events: If you're in Houston, NRG Stadium is hosting a massive watch party on the videoboard. Doors usually open about two hours before kickoff.
- Gear Up: Friday, January 16 is "Texans Friday." The team is encouraging everyone in the city to wear deep steel blue or battle red to show support before the team flies out.
The Texans are currently listed as slight underdogs on most sportsbooks, which is exactly where DeMeco Ryans wants them. They’ve been disrespected all season, and playing the "villain" in a hostile New England environment is right up this team's alley.