The New England Patriots will face the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2024. The game is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with streaming options available for viewers without cable.
Matchup Overview
The Patriots enter this playoff matchup as 3-point favorites, largely due to the emergence of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. This game marks his first playoff appearance, representing a significant moment for a franchise that has a storied history of success in the Super Bowl era. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, Maye has transformed the Patriots into a formidable offensive unit, ranking third in the NFL in total yardage with an average of 379.4 yards per game and second in scoring at 28.8 points per game.
The Patriots showcased their defensive prowess last week, winning 16-3 against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round. Their defense was particularly effective, limiting quarterback Justin Herbert to just 120 yards on 31 attempts.
Texans’ Defensive Strength
The Texans bring a strong defense into this matchup, having led the NFL in total defense during the regular season, allowing an average of only 277.2 yards per game. They also forced the third-most turnovers in the league, with a total of 29. Houston ended the regular season on a high note, winning their last nine games, which included a convincing 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. The Texans’ defense limited Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to 175 yards and a passer rating of just 52.1.
Viewing Options for Fans
For those looking to catch the game, there are several streaming services available.
– **FuboTV** offers a free trial and provides a comprehensive package of live sports, with its Pro Package priced at $54.99 per month. For NFL Red Zone, fans will need to opt for the Elite with Sports Plus package at $74.99, although monthly rates will increase to $84.99 and $104.99 thereafter.
– **DirecTV** is also offering a free trial, with the first month available for $49.99 and a current promotion that gives $40 off the first full month. Their Entertainment package includes ESPN and NFL Red Zone for $49.99.
– **SlingTV** has a more budget-friendly option, with a full month available starting at $45.99. They also offer day passes for $4.99, weekend access for $9.99, and a seven-day pass for $14.99. However, it’s worth noting that SlingTV does not carry CBS, which broadcasts other significant NFL games.
– For a straightforward option, the ESPN Unlimited bundle priced at $29.99 includes all ABC and ESPN channels, making it suitable for those keen on college football as well, with numerous top-25 games available this weekend.
As the Patriots and Texans prepare for this crucial playoff matchup, fans will be eager to see how these two teams perform under pressure, with the potential for a thrilling game ahead.
