Patriots vs. Titans: Kickoff Time, How to Watch NFL Playoffs

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Following a week of recovery and responding to an ESPN bombshell, the Patriots are putting all the drama behind them and are starting their playoff run Saturday night.

The top-seeded Patriots will host the fifth-seeded Tennessee Titans Saturday night. The Titans earned a trip to Foxborough by overcoming a 21-3 deficit and scoring 19 straight points against the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round.

This season marks the eighth straight year that the Patriots will host a Divisional playoff game, adding to their NFL record. Miami hosted five straight from 1981 through 1985.

It is the first time the Patriots have played the Titans in the playoffs since 2004, when the team overcame freezing temperatures and beat the Steve McNair-led Titans, 17-14.

Here's what you need to know about Saturday night's game.

Kickoff and Broadcast Information

Game time is 8:15 p.m.

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4 in Boston. Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play duties with Tony Romo as the color analyst. Tracy Wolfson will work the sidelines. The game will be produced by Jim Rikhoff and directed by Mike Arnold.

NATIONAL RADIO: This week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience by Westwood One Radio. Kevin Kugler and Jason Taylor will call the game with Hub Arkush providing sideline analysis.

LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

The Betting Line

Here's what the odds makers have to say about Sunday night's game via ESPN.com:

• Westgate - New England by 13.5 points
• Caesar's - New England by 13.5 points
• William Hill - New England by 13.5 points
• Wynn - New England by 13.5 points
• CG Technology - New England by 13.5 points
• Unibet - New England by 13.5 points

What The Experts Say

• ESPN.com - All eight expects pick Patriots
• CBSSports.com - All eight experts pick Patriots
• Jim McBride, Boston Globe - Patriots 31, Titans 13
• Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk - Patriots 30, Titans 20
• Sports Illustrated - Five of six experts pick Patriots against the spread
• FiveThirtyEight - New England favored by 85 percent

Parking Information

Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff. Parking is $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for buses, RVs and limos. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a capacity crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow for plenty of time when traveling near the stadium. The usual traffic restrictions will be in place on local roads before and after the show. Fans must use Interstate 95, Interstate 495 or Route 140 to access Route 1 and Gillette Stadium.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Fans attending the game are reminded that bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue's clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1- gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8" x 5" x 2" (approximately the size of a hand).

Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium.

For more information on the clear bag policy, click here.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

If You Need Help

Guest service booths located on the 100- and 300-level concourses at midfield/50-yard line for all stadium events. If you need immediate assistance during the event, please contact the stadium hotline at 508-384-9205.

If you require anonymous assistance during the event for behavioral or conduct related matters, please send security operations a text message at 508-928-3838 or text the word, CONDUCT to 78247 followed by all the relevant details.

Image Credit: Tim Bradbury/Getty Images