The energy in Houston right now is basically electric, but if you were looking for a houston texans score last night, you might have noticed the calendar is playing tricks on you. There wasn’t a game last night. At least, not for the Texans.
While the Denver Broncos were busy ending the Buffalo Bills' season in a snowy overtime thriller and the Seattle Seahawks were absolutely dismantling the 49ers, DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud were likely tucked away in a meeting room or a hotel in Massachusetts.
The Texans don't play until today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
They are set to kick off against the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM EST (2:00 PM CST) at Gillette Stadium. It is the AFC Divisional Round, and honestly, the stakes couldn't be higher for a franchise that has spent years trying to get over this specific hump.
Why Everyone is Searching for the Score
It’s easy to get confused. The NFL playoffs are a whirlwind, and with two massive games happening yesterday (Saturday), it’s natural to assume the Texans were part of that mix.
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Instead, Houston fans had to watch from the couch as Wil Lutz kicked a 23-yard field goal to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship. That result actually sets the stage for Houston. If the Texans win today, they’ll be heading to Denver next week.
If you're still thinking about "last night" in terms of the last time they actually stepped on the grass, you're thinking of that Monday night masterclass against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Last Actual Result: Texans 30, Steelers 6
If we're talking about the most recent final score on the board for Houston, it was a 30-6 beatdown of Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. That was a statement. It wasn't just a win; it was Houston's first-ever road playoff victory.
- C.J. Stroud looked like a seasoned vet, not a second-year guy.
- The Defense (the "Swarm") held a legendary QB to zero touchdowns.
- The Injury Bug: We have to talk about Nico Collins. He was carted off in that game with a concussion and has officially been ruled out for today’s matchup against the Pats.
What to Expect Today vs. New England
So, the houston texans score last night was non-existent, but the score today is going to define the Stroud era.
The Patriots are starting Drake Maye, who has been surprisingly efficient. New England hasn't been this deep in the playoffs since the Brady years (2018), and Gillette Stadium in January is a nightmare for visiting teams.
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Without Nico Collins, the Texans are elevating Christian Kirk to the WR1 spot. It's a huge ask. Stefon Diggs is going to see a lot of double coverage, so someone like Tank Dell or even the tight ends will need to play the game of their lives.
Real Nuance: The Defensive Battle
Most people are looking at the QBs, but this game is going to be won in the trenches.
Houston’s pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr., is facing a Patriots offensive line that has been "kinda" shaky against elite speed. If Houston can't get to Maye, he’s shown he can scramble and hurt you.
On the flip side, the Patriots' defense is top-tier. They specialize in taking away your best option. With Collins out, they know exactly who to bracket. It’s going to be a chess match between DeMeco Ryans and the New England staff.
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The Road Ahead
The winner of today’s game travels to Denver to face a Broncos team that just lost their star QB, Bo Nix, to a broken ankle. It’s a strange year in the AFC. The path to the Super Bowl is arguably wider than it has ever been for Houston.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Inactives: Keep an eye on the final list 90 minutes before kickoff (around 1:30 PM EST) to see if any other surprise injuries pop up.
- Watch the Weather: Foxborough is looking chilly, which usually favors the home team’s run game.
- Monitor the Betting Line: The Patriots opened as slight favorites, but a lot of late money has been moving toward Houston as people bet on Stroud's "clutch" factor.
If you’re looking for the live houston texans score today, the game will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. You can also catch the radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 if you're driving through South Texas.
The wait is almost over. Let's see if the Texans can make their first AFC Championship game in history.