N.E. Patriots: To Rest Or Not To Rest in Houston

Overview:  The Patriots finally locked up the AFC East last week and may rest their starters versus Houston.  The Texans on the other hand are fighting for their playoff lives. They need to win and get a lot of help.

Last Week:  New England (10-5) had a convincing 35-7 win over Jacksonville last week to clinch the division for the 7^th time this decade. The Patriots dominated all sides of the ball for their most complete victory to date.

Houston (8-7) held on to beat Miami last week 27-20 after opening a 27-3 lead. With that victory, the Texans kept their playoff hopes alive.

Since the Texans entered the NFL in 2002, they have not had a playoff appearance.

All-Time Series: This will be the third meeting between the two clubs. The Patriots lead the all-time series 2-0.

New England had to come from behind in Houston back in 2003. Adam Vinatieri kicked the winning field goal in OT to seal a 23-20 victory.

At Gillette Stadium in 2006, the Patriots trounced the Texans 40-7.  The defensive intercepted Texans quarterback, David Carr four times which led to 17 points for New England.

Key Questions:

New England:  Will Bill Belichick rest his starters?

The Patriots do not have much to play for this Sunday in Houston. The AFC East Crown is back where it belongs and the only thing not determines is the #3 and #4 seeds. With a victory, the Patriots will clinch the #3 seed over Cincinnati.

How important is the #3 seed?

Not a whole lot.

I say rest Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, and the rest of the nicked up starters. No need to put them in harm’s way for one rung up the playoff ladder.

Houston: Can the Texans beat the “B” squad of the Patriots?

The Texans needs to take advantage of playing the Patriots back-ups. They need this game a lot more than the Patriots. Its desperation time and Houston has to play that way.

A loss and their season is over. The Texans at the very least should be playing for an above .500 record and pride.

Players To Watch:

New England Patriots: The Walking Wounded, Fred Taylor

Tom Brady is battling rib, knee, and finger injuries this season. You couldn’t really tell last week with his near perfect game versus Jacksonville. He should sit and rest. Time to give the only other quarterback on the roster, Brian Hoyer some reps.

This game should be a great opportunity to give Fred Taylor some carries. He ran well versus his former team, the Jaguars last week. He rushed for 35 yards on 11 attempts. Its time to get some of the rest off of Taylor’s wheels.

Houston Texans:  Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are one of the most lethal passing combos in the game. They need to test the Patriots secondary especially if it’s full of second stringers.  They should have a field day. As go Schaub and Johnson, so go the Texans. 

Predictions: Texans by 10 if Patriots sit starters, Patriots by 10 if starters play

This all depends on who takes the field for New England. If the “A” team plays it won’t be for the whole game. If the Patriots build a big lead they should hold on.

If this becomes backup-palooza, Houston has the better team on paper. They should be able wrestle away a meaningless game from the Patriots.

Final Score: Patriots 31, Texans 21(see above)

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now.