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Week 3: Texans – Patriots Preview and Prediction

By Jaydeen Allen

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Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes against New England Patriots offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (71) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes against New England Patriots offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (71) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Quick stats

  • The Texans are 1-6 vs the New England Patriots with their only win coming during the 2009 season.
  • Since 2000, the Patriots are 9-2 record on Thursday games. Those two losses? Drew Bledsoe (2000) and Matt Cassel (2008).
  • The Patriots have averaged 34.4 PPG vs the Texans and are 3-0 at home.
  • When facing the Patriots, DE J.J Watt has had fairly quiet games, only having 0.5 sack in 4 games played against NE.
  • In the first 2 games of the season, the Texans defense has 9 sacks, most in the NFL. New England has 3.

Matchups to Watch

Patriots OL vs Texans DL

The Texans boost one of the best defensive fronts, simply because they have arguably the best defensive player in the league on their roster: J.J Watt. As the quarterback of the defense, Watt is now partnered with former Patriots Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork, who’s leadership is well known on the team. The team also gets a boost with 2014 first round-pick Jadeveon Clowney constantly improving. For the Patriots, their offensive line got a boost last week with Nate Solder back at Left Tackle, and Shaq Mason playing more snaps at Right Guard. They have played far better than last season the first two games, but they will be up for their biggest challenge yet.

Texans WRs vs Patriots CBs

Malcolm Butler ad Logan Ryan will have their hands full with WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller the entire night. If one thing is for certain, Bill Belichick will gameplan around taking away the opposing team’s most important player on offense. He won’t let the team’s #1 beat him, but if you can beat him with your #2 or #3, you deserve to win. Which means, it’s likely Ryan will again cover Hopkins with safety help overtop, and leave Butler on Fuller. Fuller is coming off two huge back to back games. It’s not certain if Bulter’s ankle will be a factor, but its something worth watching. Also, Braxton Miller got injured vs. the Chiefs and Jaelen Strong was forced to take his place. Don’t be surprised if Bill O’Brien tries to get him involved as the #3.

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