If you’re checking your watch and wondering when do Texans play today, you might need to take a quick breath and adjust your calendar. Honestly, the post-game high from that massive win in Pittsburgh is still lingering, but the team isn't hitting the turf this Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
After dismantling the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night, DeMeco Ryans and his squad are currently in a short-week recovery mode. It was a historic night—the first road playoff win in franchise history. If you're looking for the next kickoff, it's not happening today. The Houston Texans are officially scheduled to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
When Do Texans Play Today: Timing the Divisional Round
The wait is always the hardest part of the postseason. Because the Texans played on Monday night, they have a slightly compressed schedule to get ready for Foxborough.
Here is the deal for Sunday:
Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET).
It’s a matinee slot.
Gillette Stadium is the site.
The weather in Foxborough in mid-January is usually brutal, so C.J. Stroud and the offense are likely prepping for some serious wind and chill.
If you were hoping to find a game on your TV right now, you're a few days early. Today is all about the Wednesday practice reports and seeing if the roster moves the team made this morning—mostly depth adjustments after the physical battle in Steel City—will impact the game plan for the Patriots.
Where to watch and listen on Sunday
When the time finally comes, you won't have to hunt too hard for the broadcast. This is a major national window.
- Television: ABC and ESPN are the primary homes for this game.
- National Radio: Westwood One will carry the broadcast across the country.
- Local Houston Radio: SportsRadio 610 AM and The Bull 100.3 FM are the spots if you want Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware on the call.
- Spanish Radio: Mega 101 FM.
Why the Wednesday schedule matters even without a game
Even though the question of when do Texans play today results in a "not today," Wednesday is arguably the most important day for the coaching staff. This is when the initial injury report drops. After a 30-6 blowout, you’d think everyone is healthy, but the NFL is a car crash every week.
C.J. Stroud mentioned in his presser today that he’s focused on ball security after a "rough and resilient" performance against Pittsburgh. He wasn't perfect, but the defense was. Sheldon Rankins returning a fumble for a touchdown basically ended that game before the Steelers knew what hit them.
The Patriots, led by Mike Vrabel, are coming off a 16-3 win over the Chargers. They’re the No. 2 seed for a reason. They have a dominant defense just like Houston, so Sunday is shaping up to be a low-scoring, old-school physical fight.
The road to the AFC Championship
The stakes couldn't be higher. If the Texans pull off the upset in New England, they head to the AFC Championship for the first time ever.
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Think about that.
Twenty-four years of franchise history.
One win away from the final four.
The Broncos and Bills are playing on Saturday, so by the time the Texans kick off on Sunday, we’ll already know who one half of that potential matchup is. It's a wild time to be a fan in Houston.
Clearing up the confusion
Sometimes Google results get messy because of the "Wild Card" vs "Divisional" terminology. To be 100% clear:
- The Texans played Monday, Jan 12.
- They do NOT play today, Wednesday, Jan 14.
- They DO play Sunday, Jan 18.
If you’re at NRG Stadium today, you might see people heading to the "Divisional Round Party" or checking out the Pro Shop for new gear, but the actual team is busy watching film and hitting the practice fields in preparation for Drake Maye and the New England offense.
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Actionable steps for Texans fans
Since there’s no game today, here is how you can actually prepare for Sunday's kickoff:
- Check the Weather: Keep an eye on the Foxborough forecast. Early reports suggest temperatures in the high 20s. This matters for Stroud's grip and the run game.
- Monitor the Patriots' Cornerbacks: Christian Gonzalez is currently in concussion protocol for New England. If he’s out, the Texans' wide receivers have a massive advantage.
- Update Your Apps: Make sure the Houston Texans official app is updated for live push notifications. They usually drop the "inactive" list about 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday.
- Set Your DVR: If you’re stuck at work on Sunday at 2 p.m., set the recording for ABC/ESPN now.
The hype is real. Just remember, the answer to when do Texans play today is simply "Sunday at 2:00 p.m. CT." Rest up, grab your gear, and get ready for the biggest game in Houston's recent memory.