The 2-7 Houston Texans have been desperate for wins for most of the season, and their longing for victory does not cease against the New England Patriots.
New England is riding a two-game winning streak, yet are still 4-5 for the first time in the Bill Belichick era. Nonetheless, the Patriots may have found a combination that works, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels may have figured out how to best utilize quarterback Cam Newton, who has nine rushing touchdowns, the most since 2015 when he had 10 with the Carolina Panthers in his MVP season.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been playing very careful football; he has not thrown an interception since Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 30-14 win. However, the two-time Pro Bowler will be challenged Sunday as cornerback J.C. Jackson comes into NRG Stadium. Jackson leads the NFL with six interceptions, and he is expected to follow receiver Will Fuller all game long.
The Texans’ biggest problem is on defense with the run game. They give up the most rushing yards per game at 167.4, and they also give up the most yards per carry at 5.2. If the Patriots are able to get the run game activated, whether by Newton or by running back Damien Harris, the Texans will be cooked, or at least Watson will have to be perfect on every drive to help Houston win the time of possession and generate points to force New England out of the run game that way.
To get ready for the Week 11 action here is important game day information so you can catch the game.
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New England Patriots at Houston Texans — Sunday, Nov. 22 at 12:00 p.m. CT
TV channel: CBS (Andrew Catalon & James Lofton)
Radio: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM & 100.3 FM), Mega 101 (KLOL-FM) (Marc Vandermeer & Andre Ware)
Location: NRG Stadium
Forecast: Partly cloudy, 75 degrees, 4 mph wind (indoors)
Referee: John Hussey
Odds: Patriots -2.0
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