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TIME CHANGE: Patriots vs. Texans Will Start Slightly Later — What Houston Fans Need to Know Ahead of a Defining Playoff Moment

Foxborough, Massachusetts – January 15, 2026

As the Houston Texans prepare to take the field for the biggest postseason game in franchise history, a wave of confusion briefly surfaced among fans Sunday night.

Was the game rescheduled?
Was kickoff moved?

The answer is no — but there will be a short delay, and it matters.

The AFC Divisional Round matchup between Houston and the New England Patriots will begin approximately 5 – 10 minutes later than the listed kickoff time to allow for a league-approved pregame ceremonial moment, a familiar NFL playoff tradition.

The game itself remains on schedule.

What the “Time Change” Actually Means

According to league officials, Sunday’s contest will include a brief pregame moment of reflection prior to kickoff. These ceremonies — which can include a moment of silence, prayer, or league-wide acknowledgment — are common during Divisional Round weekends and are designed to honor unity, perseverance, or significant moments impacting the NFL community.

This delay does not affect competitive preparation, broadcast windows, or in-game strategy. Once the ceremony concludes, the ball will be kicked and the game will proceed as normal.

Official Game Information (Confirmed)

  • Matchup: Houston Texans (No. 5 seed, Away) vs New England Patriots (No. 2 seed, Home)

  • Round: AFC Divisional Round – 2025 Season Playoffs

  • Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

  • Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET (actual kickoff expected shortly after)

  • Venue: Gillette Stadium

  • TV: ESPN / ABC
    Radio (Houston): SportsRadio 610

    Why This Game Means Everything to Texans Fans

    This isn’t just another playoff game. This is a turning-point moment.

    One week ago, the Texans didn’t simply win a Wild Card game — they rewrote franchise history, dismantling the Pittsburgh Steelers 30 – 6 on the road for the first playoff road victory ever for Houston. It was a performance that forced the league to pay attention.

    Now comes the next test — and it comes with history attached.

    Houston is 0-2 all-time against New England in the postseason, with both losses coming at Gillette Stadium in 2012 and 2016. Those teams were competitive, but they walked away still chasing legitimacy.

    This team arrives different.

    Behind quarterback C.J. Stroud and powered by one of the league’s top defenses, the Texans enter Foxborough carrying momentum, belief, and a growing sense that their window is wide open. Across the field stands a Patriots team led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, disciplined, opportunistic, and slightly favored at home.

    It’s youth versus youth.
    Momentum versus legacy.
    And for Houston, it’s a chance to finally flip the script.

    After Super Bowl LX Performance, Superstar Bad Bunny - A Devoted Yankees Fan - Confirms He Will Participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a Special Song Dedicated to the Yankees
    February 6, 2026 – New York, NY In a thrilling announcement that has electrified both the sports and music worlds, global superstar Bad Bunny has confirmed that he will be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Puerto Rican artist, who performed at Super Bowl LX and captivated millions of fans worldwide, revealed that his involvement will include a special song dedicated to his beloved New York Yankees. Bad Bunny, a die-hard Yankees fan, has long expressed his love for the team through his music and public appearances. Now, with the WBC on the horizon, the iconic artist has promised to honor his favorite team by creating a track that will become synonymous with the event and rally fans around the Yankees. “I’ve always been proud to represent Puerto Rico, and now, being a part of the World Baseball Classic as a Yankees fan, I want to make something truly special,” Bad Bunny said in an exclusive interview. “This song is for the Yankees, for all the fans, and for the spirit of baseball. It’s going to be a celebration of everything the team represents – pride, tradition, and of course, victory.” Bad Bunny's relationship with the Yankees extends beyond mere fandom. His deep connection with the team was evident during his Super Bowl LX performance, where he proudly wore a Yankees cap, further solidifying his status as one of the most passionate sports fans in the entertainment industry. His upcoming song for the Yankees is expected to capture the energy and excitement of the team's pursuit of another championship. This unexpected collaboration between the world of music and sports has fans buzzing, with Yankees supporters eagerly awaiting the release of the track in anticipation of the 2026 WBC. The song is expected to feature themes of unity, passion, and triumph, encapsulating the very essence of both Bad Bunny’s artistry and the Yankees’ storied legacy. While Bad Bunny’s participation in the World Baseball Classic has been confirmed, the details of the song’s release and its full impact on the event are still pending. The artist has promised that the song will be a highlight of the WBC, with fans eagerly waiting to hear how it will complement the action on the field. The official confirmation and release details of the track will be announced in the coming months as we approach the 2026 World Baseball Classic. For now, fans can look forward to what is sure to be an unforgettable fusion of music and baseball, as Bad Bunny brings his unique flair to the Yankees’ legacy on the global stage. Stay tuned for updates, as the collaboration between Bad Bunny and the Yankees promises to add a new dimension to the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Baseball Classic.