Does Houston secure a win over the Patriots?

The Houston Texans hit the road in Week 6 to take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in what is considered to be a trap game for the 5-1 franchise. Houston hasn’t played a consistent game all season and could be on upset watch with a sluggish outing.

Houston secured a 23-20 win last week at home against the Bills. New England, under the direction of first-year coach Jerod Mayo, recently decided to make a switch at quarterback, turning the attention to No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye after a 1-4 start.

The Texans have standout quarterback C.J. Stroud calling the shot, plus a supporting cast of Pro Bowl-caliber talent at receiver, including Stefon Diggs. Running back Joe Mixon is also expected back after missing three games with an ankle injury.

Can Houston survive a trip against another AFC East opponent?

Here’s the staff at Texans Wire’s predictions for Sunday’s showdown between the two AFC foes:

Oct 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) hands off to running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Until I see it, I’m not ready to put Houston in the Super Bowl conversation yet. I’m also not brave enough to believe that rookie quarterback Drake Maye is going to be a top-five pass defense in his first start with Will Anderson Jr. bulldozing through that offensive line.

Houston wins on the road and improves to 5-1. 

Texans 20, Patriots 10

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans celebrates defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (91) defensive stop against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Houston wins this one but not without a scare. Drake Maye adds talent and a high degree of variance in a way that should be beneficial to New England’s stagnant offense. Despite 2 nasty turnovers, the Patriots’ defense keeps this a competiré game and Houston squeaks away late.

Texans 24, Patriots 20

Oct 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills defensive end Javon Solomon (56) attempts to make a tackle during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

This has a trap game written all over it. New England has the tools…