2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 11

New England Patriots (4-5) at Houston Texans (2-7)

Sunday, November 22, 1PM ET

It took longer than expected, but the New England Patriots are finally back on track after a clutch win against the Baltimore Ravens in the rain. They haven’t completely returned to the playoff picture yet, but we obviously can’t count out Bill Belichick’s bunch just yet.

Cam Newton, despite his struggles this season, continues to come up big in key moments. He helped the Patriots get ahead against the Ravens, while the defense (and some slippery footballs) allowed them to hang on to the lead. Can they do it again in Week 11 against a far less competitive Houston Texans squad?

It seems likely. The Texans have been a mess this year, even after the departure of Bill O’Brien. Deshaun Watson is playing quality football and he’s getting some help from his supporting cast, but the Houston defense has been a sieve. There’s a reason why the Texans are 2-7, and it’s not because of bad luck.

This one is close, with the Patriots taking the lead but never managing to build on it much. The Texans get one final opportunity in the waning minutes, but a stand by the New England defense gives them the win as they stay in the postseason race.

Prediction: Patriots win 20-16