So, you’re looking for the kickoff time to catch C.J. Stroud and the crew. If you’re asking when do the Houston Texans play today, the short answer is: they don't.
I know, it's a bit of a letdown if you were gearing up for a Tuesday night football fix. But there's a very specific (and actually pretty exciting) reason for the empty time slot on your TV guide. The Texans just finished dismantling the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 last night, Monday, January 12. It was a late-night AFC Wild Card showdown that basically turned into a defensive clinic.
Because they played on Monday Night Football, the team is currently in recovery mode. You won't see them back on the gridiron today, Tuesday, January 13. Instead, the focus has shifted entirely to the Divisional Round.
When Is the Next Texans Game?
Since they took care of business in Pittsburgh, the schedule is officially set for the next round. The Texans are heading to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM EST (2:00 PM CST).
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The game will be held at Gillette Stadium. It’s going to be a massive test. We’re talking about a 12-5 Houston team going up against a Patriots squad that finished the regular season at 15-3. Honestly, the jump from facing an aging Aaron Rodgers to a red-hot Drake Maye is going to be the story of the week.
What Happened Last Night?
If you missed the game against the Steelers, you missed a bit of history. Before last night, the Texans were 0-6 in road playoff games. They had never won a postseason game away from NRG Stadium.
That streak is dead.
The defense was just... mean. They held the Steelers to 6 points. Total. Woody Marks was the engine on offense, grinding out 112 yards on the ground. It wasn't always pretty—Stroud actually had three turnovers—but the defense covered for him in a big way. Calen Bullock even took an interception back 50 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the nail in the coffin.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
The NFL playoff schedule is a weird, moving beast. People keep searching for when do the Houston Texans play today because the Wild Card round spread games across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Usually, Tuesday is just a day for film review and ice baths.
For Houston, this short week is actually a bit of a challenge. Playing on Monday night means they lose a full day of preparation compared to teams that played on Saturday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans basically has to cram a standard week of practice into a five-day window before they fly out to Massachusetts.
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Quick Stats from the 2025-26 Season:
- Regular Season Record: 12-5
- Current Streak: 10 wins (including playoffs)
- Next Opponent: New England Patriots
- Next Game Time: Sunday, Jan 18 @ 3:00 PM EST
The Road to the AFC Championship
Basically, the Texans are the "team nobody wants to play" right now. They started the season 0-3 and looked like they were heading for a top-five draft pick. Since then? They've been on a tear.
The victory in Pittsburgh wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It ended a 23-game home Monday night winning streak for the Steelers that dated back to 1992. Think about that. Most of the guys on the Texans' roster weren't even born when that streak started.
If you're planning your weekend around the next game, keep in mind that the Patriots are coming off a bye. They're rested. The Texans are bruised. But with the way this defense is playing—ranked No. 1 in the league for a reason—it’s hard to bet against them.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the status of the offensive line. Stroud took a few hits last night that looked a bit sketchy.
- Sync Your Calendar: Ensure you've adjusted for the 2:00 PM CST kickoff if you're watching from Houston; it’s an afternoon game, not a primetime slot.
- Rewatch the Highlights: If you're bored today since there's no game, look up the Sheldon Rankins fumble return from last night. It was the turning point that turned a close 7-6 game into a blowout.