The Texans’ key to avenging an embarrassing Week 14 loss at New England and advancing to the AFC title game will be QB Matt Schaub. 

Texans passing game vs. Patriots pass defense

As good as the Texans’ defense can be, especially up front with J.J. Watt, the Patriots and Tom Brady should find ways to score points. It might not come as easily as it did in Week 14, but the dynamic, balanced offense — which has TE Rob Gronkowski back, by the way — should get its opportunities.

That’s why Matt Schaub and the passing game hold the key to a Texans victory. Houston’s best chance to win is to go score-for-score with Brady, and Schaub has the weapons to get it done. On the other side, the Patriots’ secondary can be a liability, and if Schaub puts it all together, the Texans can pull off the upset.

Schaub’s top two weapons, WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels, should find space to make plays.

Johnson is one of the NFL’s top receivers, with a size-speed ratio that’s tough to defend. He often will line up opposite CB Aqib Talib, who has the physicality to match, but has been beaten for big plays this season and is coming off a hip injury that originally was hurt in the first Houston game. Johnson had eight catches for 95 yards vs. New England in Week 14.