If you've been living under a rock or just busy with the post-holiday grind, you might have missed the massive news out of Foxborough. The energy at Gillette Stadium is basically electric right now. After a regular season that defied every single "expert" prediction and a smothering Wild Card win, we finally have the answer to the big question.
Who is New England Patriots playing this weekend?
Get ready. It is the Houston Texans.
This isn't just another game on the schedule. We are talking about the AFC Divisional Round, a high-stakes Sunday afternoon clash that will decide who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX. The game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Honestly, if you’re a Pats fan, this is the kind of matchup that keeps you up at night, mostly because of how these two teams have trended over the last few months.
The details: Time, channel, and where to watch
Before we get into the "how" and "why" of this matchup, let's nail down the logistics so you don't miss the first drive.
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- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- Broadcast: ESPN / ABC / WCVB (Local)
- Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub
It’s a rare Sunday afternoon playoff slot for New England, and the weather in Foxborough is looking like typical January football—cold, crisp, and exactly how Mike Vrabel likes it.
How we got here: A season for the history books
Think back to August. Nobody—literally nobody—expected a 14-3 record. After the dismal 4-13 finish in 2024, the Patriots were supposed to be "rebuilding." Instead, they pulled off a 10-game turnaround, tying the 1999 Colts and 2008 Dolphins for the greatest single-season improvement in NFL history.
Mike Vrabel didn’t just change the culture; he basically renovated the whole building.
Last weekend, the Patriots dismantled the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3. It wasn't flashy. It was brutal. The defense recorded six sacks and held the Chargers to under 100 yards rushing and 150 yards passing. Statistically, the only other team to pull that off in the Super Bowl era was the 1985 Chicago Bears. Yeah, that Bears team.
But the Texans are a different beast.
The Houston problem: Why this isn't a "gimme"
You've probably noticed the Texans have been on a tear. They’ve won 10 straight games. That is not a typo. C.J. Stroud has settled into a rhythm that makes most veteran quarterbacks look like rookies, but it’s their defense that should have Patriots fans worried.
Houston’s defensive front is a nightmare. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combined for 27 sacks this year. They aren't just fast; they are violent at the point of attack. If Drake Maye doesn't have time to breathe, it’s going to be a long afternoon in the pocket.
The Drake Maye factor
Our rookie quarterback has been sensational, but let’s be real—he’s still a rookie in his second-ever playoff game. Against the Chargers, he had a couple of turnovers that could have been disastrous if the defense hadn't bailed him out. He’s going to need to be much more careful with the ball this weekend. Houston is elite at forcing fumbles and grabbing interceptions (they had 29 total takeaways this season).
If Maye can use his legs to escape the Hunter-Anderson pincer movement, the Patriots have a shot. If he gets stuck in the mud? Well, that’s where things get dicey.
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Key matchups to watch on Sunday
This game is going to be won in the trenches, but there are a few individual battles that will basically dictate the flow of the afternoon.
1. The Edge Protection vs. Houston's Pass Rush
This is the whole game. If Josh McDaniels can’t scheme up some help for the tackles—maybe using Hunter Henry or extra offensive linemen to chip—Stroud’s defense will live in the New England backfield.
2. The Patriots Secondary vs. Houston's Speed
New England's defense has been the "Boogeyman" 2.0 lately, but they haven't faced a receiving corps this balanced in a while. They need to keep everything in front of them. No cheap deep balls.
3. The Coaching Chess Match
It’s Mike Vrabel vs. DeMeco Ryans. Two former linebackers, two defensive minds, and two guys who absolutely refuse to blink. It’s sorta poetic, actually.
What history tells us
If you’re looking for a reason to feel confident about who is New England Patriots playing this weekend, look at the history books. This is the third time these two have met in the Divisional Round at Gillette.
- Jan 13, 2013: Patriots win 41-28.
- Jan 14, 2017: Patriots win 34-16.
New England leads the all-time regular season series 9-4. Of course, none of those games featured C.J. Stroud or Drake Maye, so take that for what it’s worth.
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Final thoughts on the vibe
There’s something different about this 2026 team. They don't have the "Dynasty" aura of the Brady years, but they have a grittiness that feels very "Old School New England." They win by suffocating you. They win by making you hate playing football for three hours.
If they can stop the run and force Stroud into long third-down situations, the Gillette crowd will do the rest.
Actionable steps for the weekend
- Secure your spot: If you aren't at Gillette, make sure you have the ESPN/ABC feed ready by 2:45 PM for the pregame analysis.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on the Patriots' practice squad changes. They’ve made some "sweeping" moves this week to bolster depth for the Divisional Round.
- Watch the weather: Foxborough wind can be a "12th man" for the Pats; check the local forecast on Sunday morning to see if the passing game might be limited.
- Check the lines: If you're into the betting side, the odds have been shifting slightly toward the Patriots as the home favorite, but Houston’s 10-game win streak is making a lot of people lean toward the upset.
Don't let the "rebuild" talk from last year fool you. This team is four quarters away from an AFC Championship appearance. Be ready.