Prediction:
This game is going to be a tough, hard-fought affair. Houston is a team that is improving and has a ton of ex-New England players and coaches that are showing the players the right way to building a winner.
I think the Patriots with Brissett will struggle to throw the ball. Not to cast doubts on the young man’s ability. But being the 3rd QB in the system thru training camp didn’t allow for much in the way of reps for him. And compounded with being a rookie and trying to learn the Patriots offense, he’s just not ready yet.
This one would be reversed if New England (read Garoppolo, Gronk, and Hightower) were up to full strength but Bill Belichick has a habit of pulling out these type of games. If the defense can force a couple of turnovers, they could flip this around. But I think the Houston defense will carry the day here. Texans 17-14
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