Texans vs Patriots Free Streams: TV Channels and Preview for NFL 2026 Divisional Round Game

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud fumbles the ball during an NFL playoff game
(Image credit: Joe Sargent via Getty Images)

If defenses alone win championships, that would make the Texans one of the favorites for the Super Bowl. However, CJ Stroud fumbled the ball five times on Monday and threw in a red zone interception to boot. You don't win anything with that level of ineptitude, no matter how good your defense is.

While the Patriots defense isn't quite as mean as the Texans', it's still amongst the best units in the NFL – they sacked Justin Herbert six times last weekend – and Mike Vrabel's team is far more balanced. The only concern is that Drake Maye isn't battle-tested, due to the Patriots' strength of schedule.

He's not had to overcome a good defense all year, let alone a Houston force that gave up the fewest yards in the NFL and is equally adept at stopping the pass as it is at holding off runners. This could well be an occasion for the football purists.

Read on for our guide on where to watch Texans vs Patriots live streams online, on TV and potentially for free wherever you are.

Can I watch Texans vs Patriots free of charge?

Yes. Texans vs Patriots is free-to-air in the UK, courtesy of 5 and the 5 streaming service, in Australia, courtesy of 7Mate and the 7Plus streaming service, and in New Zealand, courtesy of the TVNZ Plus streaming service.

5 registration requires a valid British postcode (e.g. NW1 8TT); 7Plus registration requires a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. NSW 2000); TVNZ registration doesn't require a postcode.

Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch all the action free of charge as if you were right at home. NordVPN is our top pick of the options.

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How to watch Texans vs Patriots live streams in the US

US flag banner

The Texans vs Patriots game is available to watch on ESPN, ABC and ESPN Unlimited in the US. However, playoff games are also being shown on CBS, Fox, NBC, Paramount Plus, Fox One and Peacock.

If you're a cord cutter and wondering how you'll get access to the big TV networks, covering all your bases may not be quite as tricky as it looks.

Sling TV, for example, is an OTT service that gives access to a good proportion of games. Its Sling Blue package ($51/month) offers local NBC and Fox channels in most major markets, while Sling Orange ($46/month) carries ESPN. Or you can combine them with the Orange + Blue plan for $66/month ($35 for first month).

Alternatively, Fubo TV includes ESPN, ABC, CBS and Fox on its Sports + News plan, which costs $55.99/month, but you'll get a 7-day FREE trial and $10 off your first month.

YouTube TV will let you watch the Texans vs Patriots and every other game of the playoffs live. A subscription costs $82.99/month, but you'll get your first five months for $67.99/month.

Hulu + Live TV also carries ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. Prices start at $89.99/month after a 3-day FREE trial.

ESPN Unlimited starts at $29.99/month; Paramount Plus at $7.99/month after a 7-day FREE trial; Fox One at $19.99/month after a 7-day FREE trial; Peacock at $10.99/month.

Outside the US right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the Texans vs Patriots.

How to watch Texans vs Patriots live streams in the UK

UK flag

Free-to-air 5 is showing the Texans vs Patriots game in the UK, with live streaming available via the 5 platform.

The most comprehensive NFL coverage in the UK, however, comes courtesy of NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which is showing every game of the playoffs, including the Super Bowl. A subscription is down to just £14.99 for the rest of the season.

Every postseason game is also being shown on Sky Sports, which start at £35/month or £20 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.

How to watch Texans vs Patriots live streams in Rest of World

NFL Game Pass is the National Football League's dedicated streaming service, which allows die-hard football fans to watch every single game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl.

It's available via DAZN everywhere except for the US and China. Prices vary from country to country, and get progressively cheaper throughout the season.

Most countries also show games on TV and online through their domestic broadcasters, too:

Africa

Americas

Europe

Asia

Oceania

When time does the Texans vs Patriots start?

The Texans vs Patriots game is scheduled to start at 3pm ET / 12pm PT / 8pm GMT on Sunday, January 18. That's 7am AEDT on Monday, January 19 in Australia.

Can I watch Texans vs Patriots on my mobile?

Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser. For example, 5 in the UK.

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest NFL news and plays on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@NFL), Instagram (@NFL), TikTok (@NFL) and YouTube (@NFL).

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.

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