After a thrilling playoff weekend that saw the top seeds punch their tickets to the conference championships, there’s still unfinished business in both conferences. One of the most anticipated matchups arrives on Sunday with a gritty, defense-first battle between New England and Houston.
If you’re searching for How to watch the Patriots vs. Texans NFL playoff game live on Sling, here’s a complete, easy-to-follow guide with all the details you need.
A Defensive Clash Takes Center Stage
The New England Patriots enter the Divisional Round as the No. 2 seed after a dominant 16–3 Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots’ defense overwhelmed quarterback Justin Herbert, setting the tone early and never letting up.
Houston, meanwhile, pulled off an emphatic road win of its own. The No. 5 Texans knocked out the No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers with a convincing 30–6 victory, fueled by a relentless defense that scored twice and controlled the game from start to finish.
With both teams built around physical, disciplined defenses, this matchup promises intensity from kickoff to final whistle.
When Is the Patriots vs. Texans NFL Playoff Game?
The New England Patriots will host the Houston Texans in the NFL Divisional Round on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The winner moves one step closer to the Super Bowl, advancing to the conference championship game.
The game will air live on ESPN/ABC, and fans can stream it easily using Sling.
How to Watch Patriots vs. Texans Live on Sling
For viewers looking for flexibility without a long-term commitment, Sling offers short-term streaming passes designed specifically for live sports and major events.
With these passes, you can stream the NFL Playoffs live while avoiding the hassle of a full subscription. It’s one of the simplest answers to How to watch the Patriots vs. Texans NFL playoff game live on Sling.
Sling Pass Options and Pricing
Sling’s short-term passes all include access to the Sling Orange package, which features ESPN and other popular channels. Here’s how each option works:
Day Pass: Get 24 hours of access for $4.99 (add-ons not included).
Weekend Pass: Stream from Friday through Sunday for $9.99 (add-ons not included).
Week Pass: Enjoy seven days of access for $14.99 (add-ons not included).
Each pass is ideal for fans who want to watch playoff football without committing to a monthly plan.
NFL Playoff Schedule This Weekend
Eight teams remain in the race for a Super Bowl LX appearance, with key matchups taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots — 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC (Watch on Sling)
Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams — 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC (Watch on Sling)
Sling Add-Ons You Can Choose From
Sling also offers optional add-ons to customize your viewing experience. Pricing varies by pass length:
Day Pass add-ons: $1
Weekend Pass add-ons: $2
Week Pass add-ons: $3
Available add-ons include:
Sports Extra: Ideal for hardcore fans, with channels like MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, ESPNU, and ESPNews.
Entertainment/Hollywood Extra: Adds movie and entertainment channels such as Sundance TV, TCM, Reelz, and HDNet Movies.
Heartland Extra: Perfect for outdoor and lifestyle content, including Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and World Fishing Network.
News Extra: Expands news coverage with channels like NewsNation, Newsmax, HLN, and Science Channel.
Sling Orange vs. Sling Blue: What’s the Difference?
Understanding Sling’s core packages can help you decide what works best for your household:
Sling Orange: Over 30 channels, including ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN, and HGTV. Best for sports fans and families. Streams on one device.
Sling Blue: More than 40 channels, including NFL Network, Bravo, FOX News, and CNN. Allows streaming on up to three devices.
Sling Orange + Blue: Combines both packages for 50+ channels and streaming on up to four devices at once.
When Is the Super Bowl This Year?
Super Bowl LX will take place on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. With the conference championships approaching, the path to the Super Bowl is quickly coming into focus.
What Channel Is the Super Bowl On?
Super Bowl LX will be broadcast live on NBC, meaning fans can watch the biggest game of the year using a Sling subscription or Sling Pass.
