Panic is not a customary feeling around Foxborough, but the New England Patriots are feeling a bit of heat after their second consecutive loss last week. Now out of a first-round bye, the Pats have squandered the cushion they created with their 10-0 start, and while a playoff berth remains exceedingly likely, they can no longer simply look ahead to January.
The Houston Texans will present lots of familiar faces, both on the coaching staff (Bill O'Brien, Romeo Crennel, Mike Vrabel) and on the field (Brian Hoyer, Vince Wilfork). "New England South" has rebounded after a porous start, and sits in a tie for first place in the AFC South following a recent four-game winning streak.