So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. If you’re checking the clock right now on Saturday, January 17, 2026, there’s a bit of a trick to the schedule you should know before you start cooling the drinks.
The Houston Texans actually don't take the field today.
While the NFL Divisional Round officially kicks off today with two massive games, C.J. Stroud and the Texans are slated for the Sunday afternoon window. They’ll be traveling to face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. It’s a huge spot. After dismantling the Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card round last Monday, the hype in Houston is basically at a fever pitch.
What Time Do the Texans Play Today? Not Today, but Here is the Sunday Slot
If you’re asking what time do the Texans play today, you’re likely seeing the NFL playoffs are active and don't want to miss the "H-Town" action. However, the NFL has split the four Divisional games across the weekend.
The Texans play tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
For those watching locally in Houston, that is a 2:00 PM CT kickoff. It’s that perfect mid-afternoon slot where you can finish a late lunch and settle in before the evening game starts. The game is being broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC. If you’re a Spanish speaker, you can catch the broadcast on ESPN Deportes.
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Today's Actual NFL Schedule (Saturday, Jan 17)
Since you’re probably in football mode already, here is who is playing today while the Texans are likely doing their final walk-through in Foxborough:
- Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos – 4:30 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
- Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 8:00 PM ET (FOX)
It’s actually a pretty interesting setup. Because the Broncos are playing today, if they win, and the Texans win tomorrow, Houston would have to travel to Denver for the AFC Championship. The road to the Super Bowl is getting narrow.
Where to Watch the Texans vs. Patriots
Honestly, the league has made it pretty easy to find this one. Since it’s a Disney-owned broadcast, you’ve got options.
- Network TV: ABC is the easiest bet. Just pull up the antenna or your cable box.
- Cable: ESPN will have the standard broadcast.
- Streaming: If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it on ESPN+ or any service that carries ABC/ESPN like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
There’s also the "ManningCast" factor. Usually, for these big Monday-turned-playoff windows, Peyton and Eli might be popping up, but for the Sunday Divisional round, expect the "A-Team" broadcasters on the main ABC feed.
Why the Texans Are Playing on Sunday
You might wonder why they didn't get the Saturday night spotlight. Basically, because the Texans played on Monday night against Pittsburgh, the league almost always gives those teams the Sunday slot the following week. It's about player safety and "competitive balance."
Going from a Monday night game to a Saturday afternoon game is a "short week" in NFL terms. That extra 24 hours of recovery is vital when you’re dealing with the January cold in Massachusetts.
What to Expect at Gillette Stadium
It’s gonna be cold. January in Foxborough isn't exactly a tropical vacation.
The Texans are coming off a dominant performance where the defense didn't allow a single touchdown to the Steelers. Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. are playing like All-Pros because, well, they are. They’ve gone on a ten-game winning streak after a shaky 3-5 start to the season. It’s one of the best mid-season turnarounds we've seen in recent years.
The Patriots, meanwhile, are a tough out at home. They earned the #2 seed for a reason. Their defense is suffocating, and they’ve had an extra day of rest compared to Houston.
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If you're heading to a watch party, NRG Stadium is actually hosting a Divisional Round Watch Party tomorrow. Tickets were moving fast, but it’s probably the best atmosphere outside of actually being in the stands at Gillette. Doors usually open about an hour or two before that 2:00 PM CT kickoff.
Quick Texans Schedule Summary
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+
- Opponent: New England Patriots
Since the game isn't until tomorrow, you've got plenty of time to get your gear ready. Check your local listings if you're outside the Houston or Boston markets, but since it's a national ABC/ESPN broadcast, you shouldn't run into any blackout issues.
Double-check your streaming logins now so you aren't fighting with a "forgot password" screen ten minutes after kickoff tomorrow.
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Next Steps for Texans Fans:
- Verify your ESPN+ or cable login tonight to avoid Sunday morning technical glitches.
- Keep an eye on the injury report later this evening to see if any key starters were limited in the final practice.
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game tonight to see who the potential AFC Championship opponent could be.