PATRIOTS, 24-17

Consensus line (SportsbookReview.com): Pick ’em

Prediction: The similarities between these teams are undeniable. Now that Texans coach Bill O’Brien has had two full seasons to mold his roster into a team he believes can succeed, Houston is starting to look like the “Little New England” nickname that is circulat-

FANTASY

ing. Bill Belichick had the upper hand last year when he faced off against former student O’Brien, and the Patriots steamrolled the Texans 27-6 in Week 14. Houston was held to 189 yards of offense and gave up 313 to the Patriots, which will have to change if they want to improve to 3-0. The Patriots running game will be the deciding factor.