Patriots-Texans predictions

Photo via Patriots.com

The Patriots head into their Week 3 match up tonight against the Texans with more questions about the quarterback position than ever. Barring some insane miracle, Jacoby Brissett will be the starter tonight in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Julian Edelman will be the backup. With so much intrigue and uncertainty, this one is a really tough one to predict.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere we go!

Jesse Gaunce

Score: Texans 23, Patriots 17

I'm sure I'll end up being wrong about this because I always am. I have no idea what to make of this game and I could honestly see it going either way. I don't know what kind of game plan the Patriots' coaching staff will have for Jacoby Brissett and I don't even want to begin to speculate. If Brissett can manage the game, the Patriots should have a shot. That Texans offense is pretty good, and they have two stud receivers in Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins. They're missing Brian Cushing on the defensive side, but they still have J.J. Watt, and he makes that entire defense terrifying. I'm going to try and remain cautiously optimistic.

Chris Jacobs

Score: Patriots 17, Texans 14
2-0, looks good doesn’t it? But it comes at a price. Jimmy Garoppolo was injured in the Miami win as we all know, but he could back up Jacoby Brissett on Thursday night. Problem is, Brissett, the rookie is going up against one of the most feared front fours in the league. It is basically like throwing him into the Lion’s den. This game is going to be won on defense for either side. If the Texans can collapse the pocket early, Brissett will be forced into mistakes when he has J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney coming at him. The key for the Patriots is to perform on defense like they did against the Cardinals in Week 1, by shutting down Brock Osweiler’s options. On offense Martellus Bennett is going to be the third round pick’s best friend, a big target who has brilliant hands. Bennett is Brissett’s get out of jail card.

Sean Melia

Score: Patriots 20, Texans 17

After nearly collapsing last week after being handed a 31-3 third quarter lead, the defense steps up in a big way. The Patriots force Brock Osweiler into two interceptions (including a pick-six) and a fumble as constant pressure in his face leads to five sacks. The Texans contain the Patriots running game early but the Patriots coaching staff patiently lays the field position game early, allowing Houston to beat itself. Indeed, the visitors get anxious in such a tight game after so many losses against their foes and make enough mistakes to lose at the end.