Patriots-Texans Week 14 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots are looking to snap a two-game skid Sunday evening when they take on the Texans in Houston.
This will be the sixth regular season meeting between the two teams, and seventh overall, with the Patriots owning a 5-1 edge over the Texans since they came into the league in 2002 -- including a 2-1 record in Houston.
The Pats and Texans last met on December 1, 2013 in Houston, with the Patriots leaving town with a 34-31 victory. Tom Brady threw for 371 yards and a pair of touchdowns in that contest, but the Patriots needed a big second half to escape with the win. They trailed by 10 points at halftime and there were five lead changes in the second half. But the Patriots put points on the board on five of their six second-half drives, and got a 53-yard, game-winning field goal from Stephen Gostkowski with just over three minutes to play to seal the victory.
READ: Patriots-Texans Game Preview
Brady owns a 16-9 record in 25 career games on Sunday Night Football, throwing for 300+ yards in 12 of those games. He is 5-1 in his career against the Texans.
But how will New England play Sunday night in Houston? Here's what the CBS Boston sports team predicts:
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
The last time the Patriots lost three straight was 15 years ago. New England is looking to bounce back in a hurry in Houston on Sunday.
The Texans' best player, J.J. Watt, has a broken hand but is going to play.
Patriots 28, Texans 14
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
Lots of questions heading into this matchup vs Patriots South. J.J. Watt will be a tough matchup (even with a broken hand) and you have to believe Vince Wilfork will want to have his A-game going. Pats need to overcome their identity crisis on offense and just make plays. They are a better team than the Texans, much like they were against the Eagles. Time to keep it simple stupid and just make plays in all three phases of the game. They haven't lost three straight since 2002.
Patriots 27, Texans 17
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
I just can't see the Pats making the same mistakes twice and losing this game against the Texans. You figure the Denver game was a Broncos win, but last week the Pats gave that game to the Eagles; they surrendered 21 points without the defense ever being on the field.
So this week, the players said all the right things but I have to believe that behind close doors they need this losing streak to come to on end. Brandon LaFell needs to get back in the good graces of the offense, James White needs to be used more and Tom Brady needs to stop holding on to the ball for so long.
Dont'a Hightower needs to get back on the field and the New England special teams unit needs to play a mistake free game. The Pats have always said that if they execute their game plan they win. They need to play with that swagger again.
Patriots 21, Texans 17
Adam Kaufman, WBZ NewsRadio 1030/98.5 The Sports Hub
Okay, I've learned my lesson. I'll stop taking games for granted. After that shoot-themselves-in-the-foot loss to the Eagles last weekend, I suppose anything's possible - even the Patriots' first three-game losing streak since 2002.
(If I preface with that, I can take the game for granted now, right?)
The Pats shouldn't have too much trouble winning this game, albeit on the road against an improved Texans team that's finally rediscovered how to play defense. J.J. Watt's broken hand will hurt - literally - and Tom Brady's offensive line continues to be a work in progress with so many key pass-catchers absent. Rob Gronkowski won't play, leaving basically the same group as we saw last week. The best way to keep the QB safe will be establishing the run, so hopefully LeGarrette Blount is ready to barrel over some big defenders.
Regardless, look for a second straight big game out of James White, and Danny Amendola and Scott Chandler should be fairly reliable for now as well. Who knows what to expect from Brandon LaFell, without some stickum?
Patriots 27, Texans 17 - or, about a touchdown closer than I would have predicted had New England topped Philadelphia
Mike "Sarge" Riley 98.5 The Sports Hub/WBZ NewsRadio 1030AM
Three losses in a row for the Patriots? You don't say! I think I'll play a little reverse psychology in this one to end the streak.
Texans 28, Patriots 21
Rob "Hardy" Poole, 98.5 The Sports Hub
As Lyle Lovett said, "It's hotter than concrete in July in Houston, and it'll get even worse, dear, before it turns nice."
Did you hear that?! It'll GET EVEN WORSE before it turns nice. And I know it's not July, but that's neither here nor there.
Texans 12, Patriots 11
James Stewart, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots will miss a field goal in the end that would have given them the lead.
Texans 10, Patriots 9
Tune in to Patriots-Texans on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship station of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage begins Sunday at 5:30pm with three hours of postgame coverage after the game. WBZ-TV begins their coverage at 11:30am with Patriots GameDay, and after the game switch over to WBZ-TV for Patriots 5th Quarter!