Texans at Patriots 9/9/18 - NFL Picks & Predictions

The Texans had a good preseason and ended up winning 3 out of the 4 games. However, the one game the Texans did end up losing was the one when the starters played the majority of the game. So it will be interesting to see how the Texans starters bounce back when they are facing the defending AFC champs.

The Texans are planning on sending out DeShaun Watson to start the game in the quarterback position. However, he could be looking for a couple of different targets as Will Fuller V and Keke Coutee are both listed as questionable. Last season Watson threw for a total of 1699 yards and 19 touchdowns, but was picked off 8 times.

Defensively the Texans are going to run a 3-4 as the base defense. However, the Texans will be looking for J.J. Watt to have a good season this year. Last season Watt got injured early on in the season and only managed to get 11 tackles and 4 assist on the year. With the Patriots the team also had a good run in the preseason, but like the Texans the third game, when the starters were supposed to play the majority of the time. The good news for the Patriots is the Texans are a lot stronger team compared to the Texans on paper.

As you would expect Tom Brady is projected to start for the Patriots. However, the Texans are definitely a team that could have some problems with Brady, unless Watt is able to get going. The Patriots are going to hope Gronkowski and his back are able to hold out in this game and the rest of the season. Last season Brady was able to throw the ball for 4577 yards and 32 touchdowns, but he did throw 8 picks in the game.

The defense for the Patriots is a base 4-3 and that could really help the Patriots in shutting down any type of running attack. Dont'a Hightower is going to have to show up big for the Patriots from his strongside linebacking position, but he will ahve some problems as the Texans could block him down to help spring the running game.