All the information you could want about the New England Patriots' meeting with the Houston Texans Monday night.
Houston Texans (11-1) at New England Patriots (9-3)
Game Time: Monday at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
TV coverage: ESPN
Forecast: Temperatures in the 40s, chance of rain
Last meeting: Jan. 3, 2010: Texans 34, Patriots 27
Series history: Patriots lead 2-1
Spread: Patriots by 3.5
Preview material/relevant coverage:
Texans WR Andre Johnson calls Patriots game 'the biggest game in the history of this franchise':
Patriots players, citing that the Texans played in the playoffs last season, disagreed with Johnson's assessment. But still, the game should serve as a measuring stick for both teams.
What to watch for when the Patriots host the Texans Monday night:
Stopping J.J. Watt and the Texans pass rush will be crucial for New England, as will finding a punt returner with Julian Edelman out. Nick Underhill lists three others things to watch for during the game.
Arian Foster, Texans offense pose big problems for Patriots defense:
Foster leads a Texans offense that has averaged the second-most points in the NFL, behind only the Patriots. How will the Patriots stop them? "Good question," said their defensive coordinator.
J.J. Watt, Texans pass rush provides unique issues:
Tom Brady said that throwing against Watt and the Texans is like throwing over a wall. Houston, and especially Watt, bats a lot of balls at the line of scrimmage. In preparation, the Patriots started holding up racquetball paddles to simulate the length of Houston's line.