Where to Watch Texans vs New England Patriots: TV, Stream, Radio

Finding a specific NFL playoff game on TV can be a hassle, but the Texans vs. Patriots game on January 18, 2026 has a straightforward broadcast path: ESPN nationally, WCVB locally, and multiple streaming options. This guide covers TV, streaming, radio, and free ways to watch.

Game date: January 18, 2026 ESPN ·
Broadcast network: ESPN ESPN ·
Local channel (Boston): WCVB-TV Channel 5 New England Patriots ·
Radio flagship (Boston): 98.5 The Sports Hub New England Patriots ·
Final score: Patriots 28, Texans 16 ESPN

Six key facts, one pattern: every official source converges on the same broadcast path — ESPN nationally, local affiliates for core markets, and multiple streaming outlets for cord-cutters.

Where can I watch the Texans vs. Patriots game?

TV channel

• The game is broadcast nationally on ESPN (ESPN (sports media network)).
• Locally in Boston, it airs on WCVB-TV Channel 5 (New England Patriots (official team site)).
• ABC also carried the game nationally, with some local-market viewers able to see it on ABC-affiliated stations (USA Today (news organization)).

Streaming service

• ESPN is accessible via the ESPN App and the NFL streaming hub (ESPN).
• Streaming services that carry ESPN include Sling TV (Sling Orange package, Orange+Blue, or Day Pass) (Sling (streaming service provider)), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo (Sporting News (sports media outlet)).
• The game was also available on NFL+ for streaming, though free live access is limited (IndyStar (regional newspaper)).

Radio broadcast

• In Boston, the game was broadcast on 98.5 The Sports Hub (New England Patriots).
• Nationally, SiriusXM carried the game on its NFL channel (New England Patriots).

The implication: national and local broadcast options ensure nearly every viewer has a way to watch.

What channel is the Texans game today?

ESPN channel number

• ESPN channel numbers vary by cable and satellite provider. Check your local listing for the exact channel (ESPN).
• The ESPN App can also stream the game on mobile devices without needing a channel number (ESPN).

Local affiliate channel

• In the Boston area, the game is on WCVB-TV Channel 5 (New England Patriots).
• Viewers in Houston should check their local ESPN affiliate or ABC station for availability (USA Today).

The pattern: national broadcast on ESPN covers the whole country, but local affiliates give you a second path that’s often free over the air.

How can I watch the Patriots game tonight for free?

Free streaming options

• An over-the-air antenna picks up WCVB-TV in the Boston area at no cost (New England Patriots).
• Some streaming services offer free trials that include ESPN, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo (Sporting News).
• NFL+ provides free game replays but does not offer live free access to playoff games (IndyStar).

Trial services

• YouTube TV offers a free trial that includes ESPN (Sporting News).
• Hulu + Live TV also provides a free trial period with ESPN access (Sporting News).
• Fubo lists a free trial for new subscribers (Sporting News).

Antenna for local broadcast

• In the Boston area, an antenna can pick up WCVB-TV (Channel 5) for free (New England Patriots).
• This works for anyone within range of the broadcast signal — no subscription needed.

What this means: free access is geographically limited, but free trials and antennas are viable alternatives.

How to Watch: Step-by-Step

1. Check your TV provider: See if ESPN is in your cable or satellite lineup. If so, tune to the ESPN channel number.
2. Sign up for a streaming service: Choose Sling Orange, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. Most offer a free trial for first-time users.
3. Use an antenna: In the Boston area, connect an over-the-air antenna to get WCVB-TV Channel 5 for free.
4. Listen on radio: Tune in to 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, or SiriusXM nationally.
5. Stream on mobile: Download the ESPN App or the NFL app and log in with your provider credentials.

The catch: you may need a subscription or antenna depending on your location.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed facts

• The game aired on ESPN and WCVB-TV in Boston (New England Patriots).
• Radio coverage was on 98.5 The Sports Hub (New England Patriots).
• Final score: Patriots 28, Texans 16 (ESPN).
• The game was played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (Sling).

What’s unclear

• Exact ESPN channel numbers on specific cable providers are not detailed in official sources.
• Free streaming options beyond local antenna may not be available in all regions.
• NFL+ live streaming availability for this specific game is unconfirmed.

The pattern: the broadcast details are well-documented, but some specifics like local channel numbers remain dependent on provider.

Quotes from Official Sources

“The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and locally on WCVB-TV Channel 5.”

— New England Patriots official site (New England Patriots)

“Houston Texans at New England Patriots at 3 ET / 12 PT on Jan. 18, 2026.”

— ABC promo (ABC (broadcast network))

The trade-off: free access exists but is geographically limited. For millions of viewers outside the Boston broadcast footprint, a streaming subscription or cable login remains the only live option.

For Patriots and Texans fans, the broadcast options were clear: ESPN for national coverage, local affiliates for traditional viewers, and streaming services for cord-cutters. The game drew record viewership for ESPN, highlighting the demand for accessible playoff broadcasts. For fans who missed the live action, replays are available on NFL+ and ESPN+ — but the real takeaway is that a single matchup can bridge generations of viewing habits, from antenna to app.

Related reading

• Watch Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians (June 13) — Another sports viewing guide with broadcast details.
• Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026: Halftime Show Details & Guests — NFL event coverage and viewing information.

The implication: these links provide similar viewing guides for other events.

Frequently asked questions