Monday Night Football Preview
Tonight's match-up on Monday Night Football clearly is the best game all season on Monday Night.
The Houston Texans who are 11-1 travel to New England to take on the Patriots who are 9-3 in what could potentially be a AFC Championship preview.
Both teams coming into this game are riding a six-game winning streak.
Houston has been winning close games, while New England has been blowing people out for the most part during this stretch.
Perennially a AFC power, New England is not new to the stretch runs in December as they prime themselves for a run in the playoffs. Houston on the other hand, is new to the table.
In 2011, Houston made their first playoff appearance and went to the second round but lost to the Baltimore Ravens. This year, things could be different.
Possibly having home field throughout the playoffs is obviously a goal for this Texans team and beating the Patriots on MNF could go a long way to making that happen.
Another possible difference this year for the Texans is that they will have their starting Quarterback Matt Schaub barring some unforeseen injury, unlike last year when he was sidelined.
Looking at this game specifically, the major weakness for New England this season has been the inconsistencies at the defensive back positions. Look for Schaub and Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver Andre Johnson to try and expose that once again tonight.
As for the Patriots, even though their offense has been clicking on all cylinders, they haven't faced a defense like that of the Texans, much less a player like J.J. Watt.
Watt coming into the game is the front runner for the Defensive MVP award and is in discussions as possibly a MVP finalist as well.
Tom Brady has been through it before facing off against the best in the league and don't expect anything but Brady's best tonight.
Look for a heavy dose of play action from the Patriots and don't be suprised if the Patriots try and get Brady outside the pocket to open up some passing lanes.
Look for a great game tonight in New England, but look for the Texans to win 27-20.
Game time is 7:30pm CT on ESPN.