The New England Patriots face off against the Houston Texans today in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The game will take place at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN and ABC, as well as through various streaming services.
Game Overview
The Patriots enter this matchup as 3-point favorites, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who is making his playoff debut. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, Maye has emerged as a key player, helping the team rank third in the NFL for total yardage at 379.4 yards per game and second in scoring with an average of 28.8 points per game. Last week, the Patriots secured a convincing 16-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing a formidable defense that limited Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to just 120 yards through the air.
On the other side, the Texans boast a formidable defense that led the league in total defense at 277.2 yards per game during the regular season. Houston also ranked third in forcing turnovers, with 29 takeaways. The Texans ended the regular season on a high note, winning their last nine games. They continued their momentum with a decisive 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, where their defense stifled the Steelers, limiting them to 175 yards and a 52.1 passer rating.
How to Watch the Game
Fans looking to stream the game can consider several options. FuboTV offers a free trial and features a comprehensive package that includes ESPN. Their Pro Package starts at $54.99, with a more extensive Elite with Sports Plus package available for $74.99, which is required for access to NFL Red Zone.
DirecTV provides a five-day free trial, with the first month available at $49.99 (subsequently $89.99). Their Entertainment package also includes ESPN.
For those interested in lower introductory rates, SlingTV offers a full month of streaming for as low as $45.99, with additional day passes available for $4.99 for 24-hour access. Notably, SlingTV does not include CBS, which broadcasts college football and other NFL games.
Lastly, the ESPN Unlimited bundle, priced at $29.99, provides access to all ABC and ESPN channels, making it an excellent option for fans eager to catch various sporting events this weekend.
As the Patriots and Texans prepare to clash, both teams aim to continue their playoff journeys, with fans eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest at Gillette Stadium.
