When: Thursday, 8:25 p.m.
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
TV, radio: CBS, NFL, WBZ-FM (98.5)
When the Texans runLamar Miller represents a huge upgrade for the Houston ground game. Miller is a compact and muscular 5 feet 10 inches, 220 pounds, and runs at good pad level and with excellent speed. He is lightning off the snap and spots lanes quickly. He can thread through holes and moves with strength and balance, allowing him to deflect and absorb hits. He breaks a good amount of tackles, and his open-field acceleration is impressive. Alfred Blue (6-2, 225) has excellent size and power. He lacks explosiveness off the snap but will build speed and can power through defenders; arm tackles will not bring this guy down. Miller and Blue also are receiving threats out of the backfield. Greg Mancz is a technically sound and smart center who takes good angles. The second-year player is not overpowering but he has gained strength and bulk over the last year. Right guard Jeff Allen (6-4, 306) has good athleticism but will wear down. Left guard Xavier Su’a-Filo (6-4, 320) is very athletic. He’s quick and will get on his defender in a flash but doesn’t deliver that stunning first blow. The Patriots’ bulky defensive line trio of Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, and Vincent Valentine plays with power and relentlessness. Linebacker Jamie Collins is instinctive and has great closing speed. Jonathan Freeny is rangy and smart. He’ll get to the ball.
EDGE: Patriots
RUSHING YARDS PER GAME
Houston offense: 113.0 (11th)
New England defense: 81.0 (ninth)
When the Texans passBrock Osweiler has excellent size (he’s 6-8, but appears 7-8, and 235 pounds) and a strong, accurate arm. Osweiler has good presence in the pocket and good footwork, allowing him to buy time and extend plays. He has the strength to shrug off pass rushers and get his throws off, plus the athleticism to take off downfield. Osweiler will make some poor decisions and often gets burned trying to use his arm instead of his head by zipping balls into tight spaces. Osweiler has two superb receivers in DeAndre Hopkins (6-1, 215) and Will Fuller (6-0, 180). Both play bigger than their size and are big-play specialists. Hopkins has amazing quickness and body control and humongous hands. He’s good for at least one “oh no he didn’t’’ catch per game. Fuller can flat-out fly. The rookie gains separation with an explosive first step (which usually leaves defenders twisted), and few can match his foot speed down the field. Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery are bit players. Stephen Anderson (6-2, 235) is an athletic tight end who lacks power. C.J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin are big, plodding tight ends with decent hands. Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (he’s smart and physical) strapped down Hopkins last year and likely gets him again. Malcolm Butler (he’s sticky) gets Fuller. Safeties Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, and Duron Harmon are smart, rangy, and physical.
EDGE: Texans
PASSING YARDS PER GAME
Houston offense: 234.5 (23d)
New England defense: 321 (27th)
When the Patriots runLeGarrette Blount turned back the clock — and turned a lot of heads — with his 29-carry, 123-yard rushing performance against Miami. Logic dictates that he’ll be front and center Thursday night as the Patriots try to achieve some balance and protect their young quarterback. Blount is a muscular, 6-foot, 250ish-pound back with deceptive quickness and athleticism and undeniable power. When he’s warmed up and rolling, he still has the legs (and hops) to wear out a defense. He flashes surprisingly quick feet and nimbleness in the open field. Also, he’s able to leap tall defenders in a single bound. James White doesn’t get a ton of carries but he had some nice gains on draws Sunday, and if he gets a little room, he can do damage. Muscular Bishop Sankey is on the practice squad but he’s NFL-ready, and promoting him would not be a stunner. The offensive line, with young’uns David Andrews at center and Joe Thuney (left) and Ted Karras (right) at the guard spots, was at its best late against the Dolphins. There are hiccups, but this group is promising. The Texans’ run defense begins with massive nose tackle Vince Wilfork (6-2, 325ish). He has an explosive burst off the snap, will stack and shed, and has good quickness in pursuit. Linebackers Whitney Mercilus (great name, great range) and Benardrick McKinney (he’s speedy) are thumpers.
EDGE: Patriots
RUSHING YARDS PER GAME
New England offense: 133.5 (seventh)
Texans defense: 96.0 (12th)
When the Patriots passJacoby Brissett is a big, strong, athletic quarterback with excellent arm strength. The 6-4, 235-pounder has a pretty quick release and has nice timing and touch on quick hits and intermediate throws. The rookie also throws a gorgeous deep ball that he showed off quite often in training camp. Obviously Brissett lacks experience, but he’s very mature and shows leadership; he wasn’t afraid to speak up when he saw something that wasn’t right in the summer. Brissett can make plays with his legs and also has the smarts to get rid of the ball rather than take a negative play. Brissett will need to make quick decisions and quick movements in this one because the Texans can bring mucho pressure. J.J. Watt (even if he’s not 100 percent) is a savage off the edge. He’s big, quick, smart, and strong. Watt’s a closer. The linebackers are athletic and active. Benardrick McKinney, Whitney Mercilus, John Simon, and Jadeveon Clowney get after it, so getting a hat on them to impede their progress is a must. Patriots receiver Julian Edelman will be an important safety valve because of his ability to get open quickly and hold onto most everything he gets his hands on. Additionally, James White (because of his quick feet and exceptional vision) and Martellus Bennett (because of his speed and power) can turn quick, short passes into long gains.
EDGE: Texans
PASSING YARDS PER GAME
New England offense: 281.0 (ninth)
Texans defense: 179.0 (third)
Texans’ key player: WR Will FullerThis rookie is an absolute burner with a lightning-fast first step. He maintains his speed through his pattern and excels on the go route. He has eclipsed 100 yards receiving in both games this season.
How he beats you: By taking pressure off DeAndre Hopkins. You can’t double-team Houston’s top receiver as frequently because of Fuller’s presence. Oh, and there’s that speed, too.
How to shut him down: By jamming him. Stick a hand in his chest at the snap to throw off his timing with Brock Osweiler. Fuller makes big plays but he’s prone to concentration lapses, too.
Texans’ keys to victory
1. Texas rangers: Linebackers Benardrick McKinney and Whitney Mercilus have to track the backs and keep New England from establishing a ground game.
2. Texas two-step: Monster defensive end J.J. Watt must get off the edge quickly and make Jacoby Brissett uncomfortable in the pocket from the get-go.
3. Texas roadhouse: Winning in Foxborough isn’t easy. This may be your best chance. Don’t get caught up in the QB hype and just play your games.
Patriots’ keys to victory
1. Take care: Rookie QB Jacoby Brissett won’t be asked to win this game alone — just to manage the offense. Protect the ball and make smart decisions.
2. Take over: New England’s defense must be creative and disguise its coverages to confuse Brock Osweiler. He has faced the Patriots but not in a hostile environment.
3. Take the points: Don’t come up empty on any deep drives. Keep kicking those field goals and try to build an early lead. Three points is better than bupkis.
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com
