NFL schedule 2019: Biggest game for all 32 teams

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warming up before the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 30: Houston Texans Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) turns upfield after a short first half pass reception during the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans on December 30, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Houston Texans: vs. New England Patriots

The Houston Texans feel like they have been knocking on the doorstep of AFC supremacy for a few years now, becoming playoff regulars under Bill O’Brien but failing to advance beyond the divisional round at any point. The Texans didn’t even make it to that round a year ago, losing at home to Indianapolis in the Wild Card round to go home early.

While it would be easy to make the Colts’ rematch the biggest game for the Texans, they likely have bigger fish to fry. Houston is trying to prove it is an elite title threat in the AFC, and there is no better way to prove it than to take down the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Patriots have always been kryptonite for the Texans, turning away Houston time and time again as O’Brien can’t get ahead of his old boss, Bill Belichick. Deshaun Watson has also played well against the Patriots, but he has been out dueled by Tom Brady each time.

Getting a win over New England would go a long way towards legitimizing Houston as a serious playoff threat. Until that happens, Houston will largely be viewed as a paper tiger by the football experts.

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