Patriots vs. Texans predictions: Who majority of experts are picking for divisional round game

Mike Moraitis

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Patriots vs. Texans predictions: Who majority of experts are picking for divisional round game image

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The New England Patriots and Houston Texans will meet at Gillette Stadium on Sunday for the first of two divisional-round games on the day.

The Patriots got here after an outstanding 14-3 regular season that amounted to a huge turnaround for the franchise. New England managed to win the AFC East and secure the No. 2 seed in the conference before taking care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card game.

Meanwhile, the Texans overcame an 0-3 start to the season to finish 10-7, a record that was good enough for second place in the AFC South and the No. 5 seed in the conference. Houston defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round.

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Both teams have significant injury concerns going into this game, as Patriots edge rusher Harold Landry is questionable to play, and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out.

Here's what the majority of experts are predicting will happen in this crucial AFC divisional-round showdown on Sunday.

Patriots vs. Texans predictions

Vinnie Iyer, AllSportsPeople: Patriots 24, Texans 17

Iyer: "The Texans' running game and defense carried them in a sloppy game for C.J. Stroud's passing in Pittsburgh. Now Stroud is challenged to help them put up a lot more points with a good chance that top wide receiver Nico Collins won't be cleared from concussion protocol on a short week. The Patriots' offense got off to a tough start vs. The Chargers, but warmed up well near the end. Drake Maye will be well prepared to make big plays by Josh McDaniels for the tough Texans' test, while Mike Vrabel will rely on his past big playoff experience to get the better of DeMeco Ryans."

Bill Bender, AllSportsPeople: Patriots 21, Texans 20

Bender: "Houston had a plus-11 turnover ratio through a nine-game winning streak to end the regular season, and they survived three turnovers in a 30-6 blowout at Pittsburgh. This defense proved it can go on the road, and the edge pressure will test Maye. He took five sacks in the 16-3 in the wild-card victory against the Chargers, but he also had 66 rushing yards. New England has allowed less than 200 yards 11 times, and they had six sacks against the Chargers. The Patriots are 6-2 S/U when favored by a touchdown or less. Can they force enough mistakes from Stroud to advance to the AFC championship game? It is a tight game to the finish, but Maye makes enough plays in the clutch to keep the Patriots alive."

ESPN

  • Stephania Bell: Patriots
  • Matt Bowen: Patriots
  • Mike Clay: Patriots
  • Jeremy Fowler: Texans
  • Dan Graziano: Texans
  • Kalyn Kahler: Patriots
  • Pamela Maldonado: Patriots
  • Eric Moody: Patriots
  • Jason Reid: Texans
  • Lindsey Thiry: Texans

MMQB

 

  • Clare Brennan: Patriots
  • Mitch Goldich: Texans
  • Gilberto Manzano: Texans
  • Conor Orr: Texans
  • John Pluym: Patriots
  • Matt Verderame: Patriots

CBS Sports

  • Pete Prisco: Patriots
  • Jared Dubin: Patriots
  • Ryan Wilson: Patriots
  • John Breech: Texans
  • Tyler Sullivan: Patriots
  • Dave Richard: Patriots
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Patriots

Number of experts picking Patriots: 17

Number of experts picking Texans: 8

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