3 Reasons why the Houston Texans can win against the Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots misses a pass while under pressure by Whitney Mercilus #59 of the Houston Texans in the first half during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots misses a pass while under pressure by Whitney Mercilus #59 of the Houston Texans in the first half during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans runs the ball defended by Daniel Sorensen #49 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans runs the ball defended by Daniel Sorensen #49 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2. Deshaun Watson is back

Houston Texans fans are very aware of Deshaun Watson and the havoc he wreaked on the AFC  before his season-ending ACL tear. In the seven games that he played last season, Watson threw for 1,699 yards and 19 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, earning a 103.0 Quarterback Rating.

Watson’s stats have Texans fans eagerly waiting for his performance this year, and the wait is finally over. Watson will start Sunday after a nearly a year of recovering from his ACL tear and should have no problem picking up right where he left off last year. With Watson playing, fans should not be surprised with a Texans win.

During the preseason, Watson showcased his accuracy and his offensive intelligence in the few drives he played. Watson, with both DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller back from injuries, should give the depleted Patriots defense a great deal of trouble.

After losing starting cornerback, Malcolm Butler to the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots do not have a clear leader in the secondary. The mistake to acquire an elite cornerback during the offseason will hurt the Patriots greatly. Watson will be able to ravage their secondary with all of his weapons healthy and dangerous as ever. Last year, the Patriots were lucky to defeat the Texans in a close game, but they will not be as lucky this time.