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6 best games on Patriots’ 2016 schedule

By Connor Fulton

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam before the game against the St. Louis Rams at Levi
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam before the game against the St. Louis Rams at Levi /
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J.J. Watt
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) speak after the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Week 3 vs. Houston Texans

The second contest in a three-game homestand for the Patriots following their Week 1 trip out west to the desert, this will be an interesting game because the Texans will still be a largely unknown entity. Brock Osweiler at quarterback and Lamar Miller at running back could be all this Texans team needs to reach the next step in the AFC power ladder.

Predicting every Patriots game of 2016

Of course, whenever these two teams meet, it’s as much a display of respect as it is a football game. Patriots roots run deep in the Texans, from their head coach to assistant staff to player personnel. After hosting the Patriots in Week 14 this past season, the Texans are returning the favor by spinning up north to New England.

Hopefully, Nate Solder will be able to slow J.J. Watt. On the other side of the ball, look for Devin McCourty to provide safety help for Logan Ryan, who will likely get the assignment of DeAndre Hopkins once again.

Next: Week 15 @ Denver Broncos

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