5 Places to Watch Today's Patriots Game

Later today, the New England Patriots will play the Houston Texans in their first game of the 2013 National Football League playoffs.

Today's game starts at 4:30 p.m. The Patriots defeated the Texans 42-14 when they played in the regular season on Dec. 10. Pats fans are hoping for a repeat of that performance this afternoon.

Want to watch the festivities with some other die hard fans? Here are five popular local sports hot spots where you could watch the game:

1. The Rusty Hammer: This continues to be one of Portsmouth's oldest and most popular restaurants to watch big sports events. With a huge flat-screen TV in the main dining room and a great game time menu, it continues to be a happening place for the big games.

2. State Street Saloon: Right across the street from the Rusty Hammer, the State Street Saloon also enjoys a great reputation for being a great choice to watch big games. The restaurant will also offer great deals on beer and menu items.

3. Ri Ra: For sports fans who also enjoy the lively atmosphere of an Irish pub with a little live music thrown in, Ri Ra is also fun place to watch lots of sporting events.

4. The Page: If you can't make it to Gillette Stadium, watching the Pats battle the Texans at The Page sports bar and restaurant may be the next best thing. The sports bar features a few large, flat-screen TVs and plenty of sports memorabilia autographed by many of Boston's greatest athletes.

5. Portsmouth Brewery: If you prefer to be in the good company of like-minded Pats fans and want to enjoy Smuttynose beers, the Portsmouth Brewery on Market Street is also a great choice.

If you're doing anything special for the game or heading to one of these restaurants, be sure to post your photos here by clicking "add photos." And tell us your predictions for the score of the game in the comments below!