Patriots vs. Texans: NFL Playoff Preview and How to Get Tickets

Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round heads to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where the New England Patriots host the Houston Texans in a clash of playoff-tested talent and high-stakes intensity. Both teams arrive off dominant Wild Card Round performances, as the Texans rolled past the Steelers 30–6, while the Patriots shut down the Chargers 16–3. Remarkably, neither team allowed a touchdown in their respective games, setting the stage for a defensive showdown with playoff implications.

New England enters as the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 14–3 record and a dominant home playoff history, boasting a 24–5 all-time record in postseason games at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots look to add another win to that tally against the Houston Texans, who come in at 12–5 riding momentum from their dominant Wild Card victory and bringing elite defensive stars into one of the NFL’s most iconic stadium environments.

Game Details for Texans vs. Patriots

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know before kickoff between these two AFC contenders.

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET Venue: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts Average Resale Ticket Price on SeatGeek: Around $641 Cheapest Tickets on SeatGeek: You can get Texans-Patriots tickets at SeatGeek starting at $298.

NFL Playoff History for the Texans and Patriots

The Texans are building their playoff résumé and have shown steady progress, with elite defensive talent and a dynamic supporting cast that can swing high-stakes games. The Texans just picked up their first playoff road win ever in Pittsburgh this past Monday, and are looking to advance to their first-ever AFC Championship with a victory in this round. 

The Patriots are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, with six Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018) and countless memorable postseason moments. Gillette Stadium has hosted some of the most iconic playoff football in the NFL, giving New England a strong home-field advantage in January.

In head-to-head postseason history, the Patriots are 2–0 against the Texans, with both victories coming in the Divisional Round (Jan. 2013 and Jan. 2017).

Top Players to Watch in Texans vs. Patriots

This AFC Divisional Round battle features a mix of emerging stars and proven veterans who can swing momentum in a single series.

Houston Texans

Will Anderson Jr. — The Texans’ star pass-rusher is among the league’s best in racking up pressures and sacks. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and control the line of scrimmage will be key against the Patriots’ methodical offense.

Derek Stingley Jr. — One of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, Stingley can lock down top receiving threats and create game-changing turnovers in high-pressure playoff moments.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye — After an incredible second season, Maye picked up his first career postseason victory against the Chargers. The young quarterback has all of the tools at his disposal, and has already become one of the top franchise cornerstones in the NFL.

Milton Williams — The Patriots acquired WIlliams this past offseason to be a disruptive force on the defensive line, and he delivered with two sacks against the Chargers in the Wild Card Round.

Unique Features of Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium is a full-on New England football fortress. Located about 30 miles southwest of Boston, this open-air stadium seats roughly 65,000 fans and is designed to amplify crowd noise, giving the Patriots a serious edge in playoff atmospheres. Winds sweeping in from nearby waterways can turn even routine passes and field goals into tactical challenges, especially in January.

The stadium’s tiered seating keeps fans close to the action, while a mix of luxury suites, club sections, and general seating creates a layered, high-energy environment. Lower bowl seats are practically sideline-level, letting fans feel the impact of every tackle, throw, and turnover. Combined with the crisp New England air, the cheers, and the stakes of playoff football, Gillette can feel like its own fourth-quarter player.

Texans vs. Patriots Fan Experience and What to Know Before You Go

A playoff game at Gillette Stadium is an all-out immersion in New England football, where cold-weather conditions, high stakes and fan passion turn every snap into a heart-pounding moment.

Parking and Transit: On-site parking is abundant but fills fast during playoff weekends. Many fans rely on nearby commuter rail stops, shuttle buses, or rideshare drop-offs to bypass congestion. Pro tip: arrive early and map your exit strategy — postgame traffic can get intense.

Food and Drinks: Gillette Stadium serves up a mix of classic stadium favorites and cold-weather comfort foods to keep fans fueled all game long. Fans can grab hot dogs and sausages with all the fixings, hearty cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, soft pretzels, and other quick bites perfect for eating on the go. Beverage stations are plentiful, offering beer, cider, soft drinks, coffee and hot chocolate, so you can stay warm and energized while cheering through all four quarters.

Pre-Game Atmosphere: Tailgating starts hours before kickoff, with fans firing up grills, playing games, and soaking in the playoff energy. The surrounding plaza features merchandise tents, fan zones, and sponsor activations to keep the party rolling. 

Stadium Policies: Gillette strictly enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy for postseason games. Only clear bags, small clutches, and approved transparent backpacks are allowed; larger bags are prohibited. All guests must pass through security screening, and mobile tickets are required for entry, so downloading tickets ahead of time is highly recommended.

How to Grab Texans vs. Patriots Playoff Tickets on SeatGeek

Score your spot in Foxborough with this easy, step-by-step guide:

1. Search the matchup — Fire up SeatGeek and type “Texans vs. Patriots” to see all tickets instantly.

2. Check total price upfront — Every listing shows the all-in cost so there are no surprises at checkout.

3. Pick your perfect view — Filter by section, price or Deal Score, and use the interactive map to scope out sightlines before you buy.

4. Checkout in a flash — Once you’ve selected your seats, a few taps seals the deal.

5. Game-day ready — Tickets go straight to your SeatGeek app. Grab your scarf, sip your hot chocolate, and get ready to experience playoff football at Gillette!