NFL Round 3

Houston Texans (2-0) @ New England Patriots (2-0) - Gillette Stadium

Two 2-0 football sides meet when the Texans visit the Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday Night Football. New England have been rocked by both the suspension of Tom Brady and now the injury to backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Former Florida and North Carolina State quarterback Jacoby Brissett gets the start here as New England reach to the bottom of their depth chart. Brissett threw 9 passes last week and showed some potential, however will be under pressure here starting his first NFL match. The Texans have not allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters after 2 home victories over the Bears and Chiefs. The Texans come into New England as a very rare road favourite and will be relying on their swarming defence to get the better of a rookie quarterback. Quarterback Brock Osweiler has had an indifferent start in Houston throwing 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions for nearly 500 total yards.

Verdict - New England 20 Houston 17

It's fraught with danger picking against New England at home even with a third string quarterback. Expect LeGarrette Blount and Lamar Miller to get plenty of carries as both sides try and establish their run game. I think both defences can establish some dominance in this game and the teams to trade a few field goals before New England win it late.