If the Patriots need bulletin-board material for Sunday’s playoff game against the Texans, they need look no further than Friday’s episode of “NFL Live.”
An ESPN panel consisting of Mina Kimes, Ryan Clark, Hannah Storm, Dan Orlovsky and Marcus Spears unanimously picked Houston to beat New England in the AFC divisional-round matchup. The group made their picks despite the Patriots being favored and the Texans being without star receiver Nico Collins.
“That is bad,” Spears said after seeing the picks revealed.
“I thought when Nico Collins was ruled out, everybody would change (their picks) but me — I hate this,” Kimes said.
“I don’t love it,” Orlovsky said.
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It’s not hard to see why someone would pick Houston. The Texans have one of the best defenses we’ve seen in years, with an electrifying pass rush that could overwhelm a suspect Patriots offensive line. Plus, quarterback Drake Maye occasionally struggles with turnovers, something he must avoid against a defense that ranked third with 19 interceptions this season.
Still, New England was the better team throughout the campaign and has the superior offense. Mike Vrabel’s defense also is coming off a dominant, three-point showing against the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC wild-card round.
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The Patriots and Texans will kick off from Gillette Stadium at 3 p.m. ET.
