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Patriots vs. Texans live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NFL playoff game

Jake Mozarsky

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In the 21st century, the AFC and the NFL have run through Foxborough, New England. From the 'Snow Bowl' that ignited a dynasty to the frozen battles that turned a sixth-round pick into a global icon, Gillette Stadium has always served as the NFL’s ultimate proving ground. Now, it hosts a clash of two AFC powerhouses in the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, each looking to take one step closer to immortality at Super Bowl LX.

The home team Patriots, shadowed by six championship banners and the weight of a legendary past, have a real shot at bringing a seventh trophy to New England. Behind Drake Maye — the sophomore sensation who has resurrected the 'Patriots Way' with a record-breaking, MVP-caliber campaign — New England has bullied its way into the final eight, capturing its first AFC East title of the post-Tom Brady era. But to truly claim his place among the giants who came before him, Maye must survive the most brutal test in football: the Houston Texans and the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense.

Since hitting rock bottom in November — falling to 3-5 while quarterback C.J. Stroud was sidelined with a concussion — the Texans have been the hottest team in football. DeMeco Ryans’ squad arrives on a white-hot 10-game winning streak, powered by a defensive unit that leads the league in nearly every meaningful category. In the Wild Card round, that defense didn't just hold the line; it took over, scoring two touchdowns of its own while holding Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin's Steelers to a meager six points in a dominant bludgeoning. Now, Houston travels to Foxborough looking to shatter the glass ceiling and advance to its first-ever AFC Championship Game.

The narrative comes full circle on Sunday. A year ago, Maye’s first NFL start came against this very Houston unit — a day defined by rookie mistakes and a 20-point blowout. But the quarterback stepping onto the turf this time is no longer a prospect; he’s a superstar, 4,500-yard passer leading a turnaround. Across from him, DeMeco Ryans has built an immovable object — a Texans front led by Will Anderson Jr. And Danielle Hunter that thrives on turning stars into cautionary tales.

AllSportsPeople is tracking live scores, updates, and highlights as the Patriots host the Texans in the Divisional Round. Follow along to see all the action from Foxboro.

STREAM: Watch Patriots vs. Texans live with Fubo (free trial)

Patriots vs. Texans score

 

NFL PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NFL scores | Full NFL schedule | Updated NFL bracket

Patriots vs. Texans highlights from 2026 NFL divisional round playoff game

All times ET.

2:00 p.m.:  The MVP-candidate Maye is on the field, much to the delight of the fans.

1:46 p.m.:  Stefon Diggs spent the 2024-25 season with the Texans, but it was cut short with a season-ending torn ACL.

Today, he faces his former team for the first time.

1:30 p.m.:  New England and Houston have posted its inactives ahead of Sunday's game.

The biggest name on the list is Houston's superstar receiver Nico Collins, who is out with a concussion.

On the other side, New England is mostly healthy. 

1:27 p.m.:  Stroud has taken the field in a cold New England.

1:05 p.m.:  Sure, Maye deserves a lot of the talk, but don't forget about C.J. Stroud.

Stroud is one of the only quarterbacks in NFL history to win a playoff game in each of his three seasons. Though, in the wild card win against Pittsburgh, he had three turnovers.

12:39 p.m.:  The Houston Texans have also arrived ahead of the Divisional Round. Riding a 10-game win streak and the league's No. 1 defense, many think Houston can be the last team standing.

12:36 p.m.:  Drake Maye has arrived at Gillette Stadium.

Today, no story is bigger than the MVP candidate facing the No. 1 defense in the NFL

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:

Where to watch Patriots vs. Texans

Patriots vs. Texans start time

  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 18
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET, noon PT

The Texans and Patriots will kick off the Sunday slate of the NFL Divisional Round as the first of two high-stakes matchups.

Kickoff will be at 3:00 p.m. ET from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where snow is expected to play a major factor in this AFC clash.

What channel is Patriots vs. Texans on today?

  • TV channel:  ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo

The Texans and Patriots game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC. The "Monday Night Football" lead crew of Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color analyst) will be in the booth, with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from the sidelines.

Fans looking to stream the game can do so on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or via the ESPN+ app.

NFL playoff schedule 2026

Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 10

Matchup
Rams 34,  Panthers 31
Bears 31,  Packers 27

Sunday, Jan. 11

Matchup
Bills 27,  Jaguars 21
49ers 22,  Eagles 19
Patriots 16,  Chargers 6

Monday, Jan. 12

Matchup
Texans 30, Steelers 6

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 17

MatchupTime (ET)TV
Bills vs. Broncos4:30 p.m.CBS
49ers vs. Seahawks8:15 p.m.Fox

Sunday, Jan. 18

MatchupTime (ET)TV
Texans vs. Patriots3:00 p.m.ESPN
Rams vs. Bears6:30 p.m.NBC

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 25

MatchupTime (ET)TV
AFC championship game3:00 p.m.CBS
NFC championship game6:30 p.m.Fox

Super Bowl LX

Sunday, Feb. 8

MatchupTime (ET)TV
TBD vs. TBD6:30 p.m.NBC

Staff Writer