5 teams that will threaten the New England Patriots in AFC

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to the media after losing 41-33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans leaps over Kam Chancellor #31l during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Texans 41-38. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

1. Houston Texans

The Texans have the two most valuable things you need to overcome the Patriots. First off, they have a dynamic quarterback in the form of Deshaun Watson. When he got inserted into the starting lineup last season he electrified the team’s entire offense. If he can stay healthy for a full season, he could be one of the most prolific passers and runners in the entire NFL.

Watson also benefits from having DeAndre Hopkins to catch the ball. He isn’t the biggest receiver in the league, but he knows how to get open. His speed also allows him to elude defenders in the open field. If you don’t get him early, he can take the ball to the house.

This team’s real ability to contend with the Patriots comes on defense though. If, and it’s a big if, J.J. Watt can stay healthy, the Texans may have the best pass rush in football. Watt coming in on one side with Jadeveon Clowney crashing the other side is a frightening prospect for quarterbacks. Throw Whitney Mercilus into the mix and it’s almost unfair.

Next: Patriots may have a problem ahead of Tom Brady

The rare combination of dynamic quarterback play and a defense that can rush the passer at an elite level make the Texans one of the most dangerous teams in the league. They, more than any other AFC contender, will keep Bill Belichick and Tom Brady up at night.

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