The Patriots have dominated Bill O’Brien and the Texans over the years.
O’Brien has never beaten the Patriots as head coach of the Texans and the Patriots hold a 10-1 advantage against the franchise all-time, including the playoffs. Also, New England has scored at least 27 points in the last 10 meetings.
Of course, this is a different Patriots offense, but if there ever was a game to get back on track offensively, this would be it. Houston is at the bottom of the major defensive categories.
Patriots vs. TexansSunday, Dec. 1, 20198:20 p.m., NBCPatriots -3, over/under 46
3 keys to the game
Get offense going
The Patriots haven’t scored more than 20 points in their last three games, but this week presents a good opportunity to build some momentum as the end of the season nears. Despite some big names on the unit, Houston’s defense ranks 20th overall, 25th against the pass, 31st on third down and 32nd in red zone. After getting rookies N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers involved in the passing game last week, this could be Tom Brady’s best passing game in weeks.
Limit big plays
Deshaun Watson and the Texans offense has shown the ability to make some big plays reccently, as Watson throws one of the best deep balls in the league. While Watson isn’t Lamar Jackson, he has the ability to make plays with his feet and the Patriots defense needs to be aware of that as well as the chance of him throwing the ball deep down the field to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller.
Continue to build running game
Last week against Dallas was the Patriots’ best game running the ball since Week 6 and with Isaiah Wynn back for the second week, he should be even better than a week ago. This could lead to another big game on the ground. We see the Patriots building an early lead and then it could be a case of the team running the ball a great deal in the second half to run out the clock and keep Houston’s offense off the field.
Fun facts
1. The Patriots have held teams to just 25-for-132 (19 percent) on third down this season. The fewest third downs allowed in a 16-game season is 49 by the Saints in 1991.
2. Since 2001 in the regular season, the Patriots are 164-27 when scoring first.
3. The Patriots are 12-0 when Sony Michel scores a touchdown (regular and postseason).
4. If James White catches three or more passes, he will reach 300 career receptions in his 74th game, which would be tied for the sixth-fastest in NFL history for a running back.
5. The Patriots don’t have a fourth quarter touchdown since Week 7.
Prediction
Patriots 27, Texans 14
Simply put, despite its 7-4 record, Houston isn’t that good and this could be a momentum-building game for the Patriots. We expect them to have their best offensive game in quite some time and the defense to continue to do its thing. Sure, the flu bug has been going around the locker room all week, but the majority of the team seems to be getting healthy and will be ready to go Sunday in Houston.
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