The Patriots vs. Texans AFC Divisional Round game can be watched on ABC and ESPN on traditional TV, and streamed via ESPN+, NFL+, and several international free-to-air platforms depending on your location. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 (which is Monday morning in some regions).

How to watch in the US

For viewers in the United States, there are several official options.

  • Cable or satellite: Tune to ABC or ESPN at 3 p.m. ET for the live broadcast.
  • Streaming (paid):
    • ESPN+ carries a live stream of Texans vs. Patriots.
* NFL+ also streams the game on mobile and compatible devices.

* Some live-TV streaming bundles (like Fubo and similar services) include ABC/ESPN and will carry the game live.

These services usually require a subscription, but many offer short free trials that some fans use specifically for playoff games.

Free and international streaming options

Outside the US, a few services are showing the game for free with regional restrictions.

  • New Zealand: TVNZ+ will stream Texans vs. Patriots for free with an account in that region.
  • United Kingdom: Some guides list the game on free channels and streaming platforms like channel 5’s service, accessible locally without extra cost.
  • Australia: 7Plus is listed as a free option to stream the game live in Australia.

Viewers outside those countries sometimes use VPN services to appear as if they are in one of these regions in order to access platforms like TVNZ+ or 7Plus, though this can violate terms of service, so it should be approached carefully and legally.

Game time and schedule details

Timing is slightly different by time zone, and some listings reflect the local date shift.

  • Main US kickoff: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
  • UK: 8 p.m. GMT on Sunday, Jan. 18.
  • Australia: 7 a.m. AEDT on Monday, Jan. 19 (morning game).
  • ESPN’s digital listings also show Texans vs. Patriots available as a live stream for Jan. 19 due to time-zone handling in some regions.

Checking a local TV guide or your streaming app’s live schedule right before kickoff helps confirm the exact channel and listing title in your area.

Quick FAQ and fan chatter

Public sports and tech outlets have been pushing this matchup as a must-watch Divisional Round game with high stakes and a lot of buzz.

  • “Is there a legit free option?”
    • Yes, TVNZ+ in New Zealand and some other regional broadcasters are offering free streams, though they are region-locked.
  • “Can I watch on mobile only?”
    • NFL+ is tailored to mobile and tablet viewing in the US, while ESPN and ABC apps usually let you sign in with a TV or streaming-provider account to watch on phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
  • “Where are fans talking about the game?”
    • NFL-focused forums and sub-communities are running live game threads, pregame debates, and play-by-play reactions throughout the Texans–Patriots playoff clash.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.