Patriots (4-5) at Texans (2-7)
Sunday, 1 ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Patriots by 2 1⁄
2
Patriots’ keys to victory: New England has been successful winning the turnover battle. The Patriots need to involve their running backs more, whether that is getting Damien Harris, Rex Burkead and James White carries or targets in space. New England also needs to incorporate run-pass options with QB Cam Newton. New England’s pass rush has been anemic, but its coverage should be able to clamp down on Houston’s receiving corps and not allow big plays deep.
Texans’ keys to victory: Teams know where to run the football if they need yards against Houston. The Texans’ defense gave up 231 rushing yards and 5.6 yards per carry in Week 10. The defense must cultivate turnovers and give the offense extra possessions. DE JJ Watt has to get home to the quarterback and neutralize the passing game.
Matchup to watch: Texans WR Will Fuller vs. Patriots CB J.C. Jackson. Fuller has taken up the mantle of No. 1 receiver and is a go-to target for QB Deshaun Watson. Houston’s passing game has found its cohesion after offseason shake-ups. Jackson has provided six interceptions and 10 pass breakups for a secondary that has remained the most consistent unit in an unprecedented year for New England.
Who wins? Both teams are struggling to find their identity and sustained personnel changes that affected their cohesion. Each team is becoming the type of club no one wants to see on its schedule. What the Patriots have maintained is coaching, and that will be the difference in a tight game.
Patriots 19-15