Through the first five weeks of the 2024 NFL regular season, the New England Patriots have looked like one of the worst teams in the league, losing their last four contests.
Heading into Week 6, the Patriots will have a chance to take down the Houston Texans, who have picked up right where they left off in 2023, as they've won four of their first five games.
New England has struggled on both sides of the ball, but their offense has looked especially putrid due to a combination of injuries and just flat-out poor performances.
Houston has been middle of the road in both main phases of the game, but they have much more talent than the Patriots on paper.
Before we get to game day, let's take a look at who some experts predict will win this conference battle.
NFL picks, predictions Week 6: Patriots vs. Texans
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Patriots 20, Texans 23
Iyer: "The Texans will come in still battling some key injuries around C.J. Stroud, but they should be leaning plenty on the running game and defense in a positive game script. Stroud will face a few tough elements from Jerod Mayo's defense, but Houston's run blocking will compensate well with whoever's in the backfield. With the Patriots considering starting Drake May at QB, they can get a little spark to make it closer than the score indicates in garbage time."
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 17, Texans 23
Bender: "The Patriots have lost two games by a combined total of eight points. New England is having trouble generating offense, and there is a chance Drake Maye will replace Jacoby Brissett soon. Houston is 1-1 S/U on the road. C.J. Stroud has been better away from home this season, but the Patriots will force a few turnovers to hang around. The Texans are 1-4 ATS as a road favorite since last season."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Patriots 13, Texans 24
Cluff: "The Patriots have lost four straight games since opening the season with a victory. C.J. Stroud and the Texans will make it five straight losses here."
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Patriots 10, Texans 27
Johnson: "If this Houston Texans defense can force Josh Allen into having a career-worst performance and wreak havoc on the Buffalo Bills offensive line, Jacoby Brissett could be living a nightmare in Week 6. The Patriots’ defense has also taken a significant step back from last season and to make matters worse, Houston might finally get running back Joe Mixon back for this one. This feels like a game Houston should win easily, though, unpredictable outcomes seem to be happening every Sunday."
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