WHEN NEW ENGLAND HAS THE BALL

After being shut out for the first time in 3 1/2 years last week in Miami, the Patriots should get back on track today. Houston ranks 28th in the 32-team NFL (15th in the 16-team in AFC) in total defense, surrending an average of 349.6 yards per game. The Texans have allowed 22.8 points per game, and the Patriots this season have played only two teams -- Detroit and Green Bay -- with worse averages. The results: The Pats scored 28 against the Lions and 35 against the Packers.

Advantage: New England

WHEN HOUSTON HAS THE BALL

The Pats' defensive weakness (pass defense, because of an injury-depleted secondary) plays into the hands of the Texans' offensive strength (their passing game). Houston doesn't run the ball very well, so expect quarterback David Carr to rely on his air attack. Carr is having the best statistical season of his five-year NFL career, with a league-high 69.4 percent completion percentage and only seven interceptions in 13 games. Still, the Pats' defense -- which may finish the season allowing the fewest points per game in franchise history -- has shut down tougher offenses than this.

Advantage: New England

SPECIAL TEAMS

Texans kicker Kris Brown has been surprisingly inconsistent mid-range (3 for 5 from 30-39 yards), but lights out almost everywhere else (14 for 16 in all other sub-50-yard attempts, including 9 for 11 between 40 and 49). Houston punter Chad Stanley ranks last among regular punters with a 36.3 net average; however, new Pats punter Ken Walter is even worse (32.9) in the 12 punts he's made since replacing the injured Josh Miller. The Patriots continue to shield rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski from pressure situations, calling on him for the fewest number of field-goal attempts (17) in the league.

Advantage: Houston

COACHING

The Texans have won twice as many games (4) under first-year coach Gary Kubiak as they won all last season, including a season sweep of playoff contender Jacksonville. Since a 34-6 drubbing at Dallas on Oct. 15, the Texans have gone 3-5 and their losses have been by 6, 4, 3, 15 and 6 points. Still, they'll be going up against the gold standard of NFL coaches today.

Advantage: New England

INTANGIBLES

The Texans have been more competitive as the season has gone along, a tribute to Kubiak and his staff. But they're still only playing for pride against a championship-caliber opponent that a) is coming off a humiliating loss, b) is playing at home, and c) absolutely needs to win as it jockeys for postseason position. It's hard to imagine the Patriots coming out flat today, and, considering the talent differential, that would be Houston's only real chance to pull off an upset.

Advantage: New England

amartone@projo.com / (401) 277-7345