New England Patriots: 3 Bold predictions vs. Texans, Week 13

2. New England defense will have its hands full

The Patriots defense has put on a show for the majority of the year and has helped lead them to victory in many games while the New England offense is able to operate without pressure on their side of the ball. In Week 13, however, the Patriots dominant defense will be put to the test against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and company.

As mentioned in the previous slide, Watson, Hopkins and the rest of the Houston offensive group have been one of the stronger units in the NFL up to this point in the season, having the ability to shift momentum in its favor while being able to air out the ball at any given moment in a game.

Going into Week 13 in Houston, the Texans rank seventh in the league in total yards per game (381.6), while ranking 10th in points per game (24.1),12th in passing yards per game (244.7) and are even tied for sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (136.9).

New England’s defense, on the other hand, has been a dominant force all season long and will be a tough matchup for Houston. Going into the contest this weekend, the Patriots rank first in the NFL in points allowed per game (10.6), while ranking second in yards given up per game (256.4) and second in yards given up per play (4.4). New England has also tallied a total of 20 interceptions through 11 games, which is most in the NFL.

The battle between the Patriots defense and the Texans offense in Week 13 will be something to keep an eye on and will be an interesting development to watch play out on national television on Sunday Night Football.