English Patriot
In the Starting Line-Up
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Texans will be tougher. THey're more stable, it's in their joint, and we're banged up pretty good. We need to run the ball and keep the clock running. Brady needs to be on the field. I agree with the need for more production from Lloyd, but I think Fells needs to be in for more snaps to spring Ahern.Also what is the MAIN key to beating the Texans next Monday. For me if we get Lloyd in behind that secondary especially with no Gronk then we'll win this one.
it's in their joint,
Houston is a more balanced team. SF will have to travel two straight weeks to the East Coast and that may be taxing for them.
And after a short week, no lessThey hit harder and they're the second game of the back-to-back.
San Francisco
They hit harder and they're the second game of the back-to-back.
With our O-line in the shape it's in, the thought of Patrick Willis looking at Brady and seeing a target on his back scares me more than anything the Texans' D currently brings to the table, including JJ Watt.
Then again, Jim Harbaugh is an idiot, so I would call it a draw.
B/R Consensus: Patriots (Unanimous)
Vegas: Patriots (-4.5)
Schottey: Patriots
How do you scout the Patriots? Seriously? Want to stop their trademark vertical passing attack? Great, they'll hit you underneath with Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. Able to stop their receivers? Meet the best tight end tandem in football? Stop the pass altogether? Stevan Ridley would like to have a word with you.
When the Pats are on, they're not going to be stopped, even by a great Texans defense.
Miller: Patriots
This is a potential AFC Championship Game preview, and a game in which the Patriots will quiet any doubters who think they aren't the best team in the league. Tom Brady should enjoy an easy day at the office against the Houston secondary, as long as he avoids J.J. Watt.
Nagler: Patriots
This was my preseason pick for the AFC Championship Game and I haven't seen much to make me change my mind. The Patriots win this matchup in New England, mostly because Tom Brady will pick apart the Texans secondary. A rematch in Houston, however, might be another story.
Dunlevy: Patriots
The Texans have the best record in football, but New England is the scariest team. With the problems Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph has had with his hamstring, even if he plays, it may not be for long on a cold New England night. Without him at 100 percent, I don't think they can stop Tom Brady
Frenz: Patriots
The Patriots were too close for comfort in their win over the Dolphins, but they usually get up for prime-time showdowns like this one. Expect Tom Brady to spend a lot of time studying what Aaron Rodgers did to the Texans defense a few weeks back in Houston's lone loss this season. Plus, New England has done its best work against the run, which is the basis for much of Houston's offensive success.
Michael Schottey is the NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff at "The Go Route."
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