The New England Patriots host the Houston Texans on Sunday at 4:45 PM ET at Gillette Stadium in a Divisional Round matchup that determines the AFC Championship participant. Both teams fight for a Super Bowl berth, with the Patriots aiming to extend Bill Belichick’s legacy and the Texans seeking their first AFC title appearance since 2020.
Kickoff Time, Broadcast & Streaming
The game begins at 4:45 PM Eastern (3:45 PM Central) on Sunday. National television will carry the matchup on NBC. Viewers can stream live via Peacock or the official NFL app using a verified TV provider login. Cable subscribers also have the option to watch on the NFL Network, which offers an alternate “coach’s headset” audio feed.
Patriots: Recent Form and Key Players
Offense
New England entered the playoffs as the AFC East’s top seed with a 13‑4 record. Quarterback Mac Jones boasts a 98.4 passer rating over his last six games, connecting frequently with DeVonta Smith. The ground game is anchored by Rhamondre Stevenson, providing a balanced attack.
Defense
The Patriots’ secondary, led by cornerback J.C. Jackson, has forced a league‑best 22 turnovers. Defensive coordinator Bill Belichick is expected to employ zone blitzes and disguised coverages to disrupt Houston’s play‑calling.
Texans: Recent Form and Key Players
Offense
Houston secured a wild‑card spot with an 11‑6 record. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has thrown for 3,987 yards, 28 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Running back Derrick Henry continues to dominate as the team’s power runner.
Defense
The Texans rely on a blitz‑heavy front seven featuring veteran pass‑rusher J.J. Watt (back for 2026) and rookie edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. The unit leads the league with 48 sacks, a potential nightmare for the Patriots’ passing attack.
Historical Context
New England holds a 5‑2 advantage in postseason meetings against Houston. The most recent regular‑season encounter in Week 12 of 2025 ended with a 27‑24 Patriots win. The Texans have reached the Divisional Round only twice in the past decade, making this clash a pivotal moment for the franchise.
What’s at Stake?
The winner advances to the AFC Championship Game, likely facing either the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Baltimore Ravens. A Patriots victory would reinforce Bill Belichick’s playoff legacy and could add a 12th Super Bowl ring. For the Texans, a win would secure their first AFC Championship appearance since 2020 and energize a fan base seeking a breakthrough.
Betting Odds and Prediction
- Patriots: 3‑point favorites
- Over/Under: 48.5 points
- Key factor: A fourth‑quarter turnover by New England’s secondary or a late‑game rush from Henry could decide the game.
Final Takeaway
The Patriots‑Texans Divisional Round game offers high stakes, strategic intrigue, and the potential for a memorable playoff moment. Whether watching on broadcast, streaming, or following the odds, fans can expect a tightly contested battle that will shape the narrative of the 2026 NFL season.
