AFC Divisional Round: Where and How to Watch Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots, Live Stream, and Broadcast Details

Sunday, January 18, the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots promises to be a battle between two elite defenses. Neither team gave up a touchdown in their wildcard matchups, holding their opponents to only field goals.

The Texans conceded two FGs, while the Patriots just let in one. The offense wasn’t too bad either. Patriots QB Drake Maye threw 17 completions for 268 yards, one touchdown, and a pick while making 10 dashes for 66 yards. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson accumulated 120+ all-purpose yards from 13 touches on the ball.

As for the Texans, third-year quarterback CJ Stroud struggled in the early parts of the game in Pittsburgh, losing the ball four times total. However, Stroud still completed 21 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, and a pick. Rookie RB Woody Marks rushed 19 times for 112 yards and scored a TD, while veteran receiver Christian Kirk caught 8 passes for 144 yards and a TD.

The Patriots boast an 11-4 record over the Texans. However, the Texans won their last meeting. In Week 6 of the 2024 season, Stroud passed for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. RB Joe Mixon carried the ball 13 times for 102 yards. Maye threw for 243 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 picks and was sacked four times on 34 pressures. The game ended with the Texans winning 41-21.

When and what time is the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots at?

• Game: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
• Date: Saturday, January 18
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Boston

The second-seeded New England Patriots are scheduled to host the fifth-seeded Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18, at 3:00 p.m. ET, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston.

Which channel airs the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots?

• Game: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
• Date: Saturday, January 18
• How to Watch (TV): ESPN/ABC
• Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play announcer), & Troy Aikman (color analyst)

What are the livestreaming options for the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots?

Football fans can watch the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots on DAZN and FUBO TV.

What are the NFL Odds and Betting Lines for the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots?

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the New England Patriots are the favorites to defeat the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round fixture on Sunday, January 18.

Spread

• Texans +3 (-102)
• Patriots -3 (-118)

Moneyline

• Texans +145
• Patriots -175

Total

• 41.5 (Over -102/Under -118)

Predicted Lineup for the AFC Divisional Round fixture between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots

Houston Texans

CJ Stroud, Woody Marks, Nick Chubb, Xavier Hutchinson, Christian Kirk, Dalton Schultz, Jayden Higgins, Will Anderson Jr., Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Danielle Hunter, E.J. Speed, Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, Tim Settle Jr., Tremon Smith, and Folorunso Fatukasi

New England Patriots

Drake Maye, Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry, Efton Chism III, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Austin Hooper, Marcus Jones, Craig Woodson, Christian Elliss, Anfernee Jennings, K’Lavon Chaisson, Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis III, Christian Barmore, Harold Landry III, and Brenden Schooler

Why can the Texans win?

Stroud’s rookie year will go down as one of the best in NFL history. However, he has continued to regress since then. In 2025, the former second overall pick missed three total games. He racked up 3041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 picks. Stroud just needs to avoid making any mistakes, and the defense will take care of the rest.

The Texans have been a top-five unit, ranking first in the NFL by giving up only 277.2 yards per game. Ranked second in scoring defense (17.4 PPG) and fourth best rushing defense (allowed 93.7 yards on the ground).

Notable absentee: WR Nico Collins will miss the game as he suffered a concussion against the Steelers.

Why can the Patriots win?

Everything in the Patriots’ offense goes through Maye. He had a terrific second year in the NFL. Maye finished fourth in the league with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns. By defeating the Chargers, Maye became the first Patriots quarterback not named Tom Brady to win a playoff game.

It will be a big game for Stefon Diggs. The veteran wideout spent last year in Houston. However, his season was cutshort due to injury. Diggs caught 85 passes, 1013 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns in 17 starts for the Pats.

The Patriots’ defense is among the best in the league. They finished 8th in total defense, allowing an average of 295.2 yards and 4th in scoring defense (18.8 PPG).

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