HOUSTON -- Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien is quick to point out that every game means the same during the regular season, regardless of the opponent.
But this season, his team opens up on the road against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS). It isn't an ordinary season opener. It's an early test to see where the Texans stand as they enter the 2018 season.
Houston has not beaten the Patriots since the regular-season finale in 2009 (0-7 since) and has never won at Gillette Stadium. An early victory against New England would show the league that this Texans team not only can compete for a playoff spot, but it can be among the best in the AFC.