Patriots vs. Texans: 6 Bold Predictions
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) on the sideline during a game against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
3. Brian Hoyer will throw three picks
This will be the first time Hoyer faces the Patriots since he left the organization in 2011. The post-game handshakes will be pleasant, but the game action won’t. The Patriots will intercept Hoyer three times.
One guy that’s due for an interception is Malcolm Butler. The Super Bowl XLIX hero picked off a tip drill pass in Buffalo back in Week 2, but he hasn’t been able to corral one since, although he has been a top-ten cornerback in terms of coverage. Butler’s 13 pass breakups (which is tied for 11th among all defensive players) indicate that he is flying around the ball; finally, luck will go Butler’s way in Week 14.
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Butler’s security blanket at free safety, Devin McCourty, will also get both of his mitts on the ball. This will be McCourty’s first pick since the early-season win over the Jacksonville Jaguars… and it will also be McCourty’s first career pick-six. That’s right, D-Mac will return it for a touchdown against his former teammate.
Last but not least, Jamie Collins will remind everyone why he was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before his mystery illness struck by sealing the game with a fourth-quarter interception.
Next: 2. Ryan Griffin will continue TD streak