The New England Patriots will face the Houston Texans today in an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The matchup is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on ESPN and streaming options for those without cable.
Game Preview: Patriots’ Rising Star vs. Texans’ Defensive Strength
With rookie quarterback Drake Maye making his playoff debut, the Patriots enter the game as 3-point favorites. Maye has had a standout season, transforming the franchise’s fortunes under the leadership of first-year coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots’ offense has been impressive, ranking No. 3 in total yardage at 379.4 yards per game and No. 2 in scoring, averaging 28.8 points per game. This resurgence comes after a commanding 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, where the defense effectively limited quarterback Justin Herbert to just 120 yards on 31 attempts.
On the other side, the Texans boast a formidable defense that led the NFL in total defense with an average of 277.2 yards allowed per game. They also forced 29 turnovers throughout the regular season. Houston enters this playoff round on a high note, having won its last nine games, including a decisive 30-6 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. The Texans’ defensive performance was pivotal, holding Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to 175 yards and a passer rating of 52.1 before their offense surged in the fourth quarter.
How to Watch the Game
For fans looking to stream the game, several options are available. FuboTV offers a comprehensive package of sports channels with a free trial. The Pro Package costs $54.99 per month, while the Elite Package, which includes NFL Red Zone, is priced at $74.99.
DirecTV also provides a five-day free trial, with the first month available for $49.99. The Entertainment package, which includes ESPN and NFL Red Zone, is priced at $49.99.
For those considering SlingTV, a full month of streaming starts at $45.99, with options for day passes and weekend packages. Notably, CBS is not included, which may affect viewers wishing to watch college football.
Finally, the ESPN Unlimited streaming option is available for $29.99 per month, providing access to both ABC and ESPN channels, making it an attractive choice for sports enthusiasts.
As the Patriots and Texans prepare to clash, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting playoff encounter.
