Overview
- Kickoff is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Foxborough, with recent previews listing New England around a field-goal favorite.
- Houston’s defense leans on a four-man rush and frequent man coverage, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who have a league-high 153 combined pressures.
- Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte expects mostly man looks and says Houston’s scheme is straightforward, putting the onus on New England’s pass catchers to win one-on-one.
- Pressure on Drake Maye is a focal point after New England allowed a high pressure rate, and several analysts target Maye’s rushing over given Houston’s league-worst 9.2 yards allowed per scramble.
- With Collins unavailable, projections highlight increased opportunities for Christian Kirk and tight end Dalton Schultz, as many betting previews favor a low total and emphasize sacks and Texans pass-rush props.