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Texans at Patriots: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

By Russell S. Baxter

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 17: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signals for the field goal unit to hurry onto the field so they could attempt to score before time ran out during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sept. 17, 2017. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 17: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signals for the field goal unit to hurry onto the field so they could attempt to score before time ran out during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sept. 17, 2017. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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We’re getting ready to see the New England Patriots and Houston Texans square off in a playoff rematch. Which team will prevail in this game?

There is a certain symmetry to the Houston Texans’ season so far. Bill O’Brien’s club has played two games, has started two quarterbacks and totaled two touchdowns. And both of those scores have come with rookie quarterback and 2017 first-round pick Deshaun Watson on the field.

So when the Texans take the field on Sunday afternoon in a place where they have never won a game, can the defending NCAA national champion signal-caller get the defending AFC South titlists a big-time win over the New England Patriots? On the other hand, can the Houston defense make life rough for prolific quarterback Tom Brady?

Odds

Line: Patriots (-13)

Over/Under: 43.5

The big ticket item when it comes to NFL point spreads this week is the defending Super Bowl champions giving 13 points to the visiting Texans (via SportsBook Review). The Patriots’ defensive unit has looked very vulnerable after two weeks. Can Watson and Houston’s offense make a dent here? Protecting the rookie signal-caller will be one of the keys to this playoff rematch.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 2: Broncos surge, Cardinals tumble

We get the sense that this will turn out to be a game in which the Houston Texans win the majority of the battles but the injury-plagued New England Patriots still find a way to get the job done. If J.J. Watt can get to Brady a few times and create some turnovers, it could add up to an upset in the making. A late Stephen Gostkowski field goal could be the difference.

Pick: Patriots 27, Texans 26

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