The Drake Maye era in New England has arrived and the Patriots are throwing the rookie quarterback in at the deep end with a debut against the Houston Texans, a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Texans are a road touchdown favorite and have a chance to improve to 5-1 on the season.

Despite Houston’s strong record, the Texans have yet to reach the team’s full potential offensively due to inconsistent play. Even more troubling, wide receiver Nico Collins was just placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Collins has been by far the Texans’ best pass catcher and deep threat, averaging over 17 yards per catch with three touchdowns. With him out, Stefon Diggs could have a breakout match. Diggs has 31 receptions this year and has become a major threat in the passing game over the past two weeks.

As for Maye, he might receive a rude welcome to the NFL.

The Patriots don’t provide much help around him, with few skill position players and a battered offensive line. Additionally, he debuts against a Texans defense that allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game through the first five weeks.

The Patriots have been patient with Maye, hoping not to rush him into action. But after averaging just 12.4 points per game for five weeks and showing little or no sign of improvement, New England reached a breaking point, making it necessary to give the starting quarterback a chance.

While the Texans should be favorites to win the game, Houston is just 1-4 against the spread as a road favorite since the start of the 2023 season. New England, meanwhile, is just 1-4-2 against the spread as an underdog.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.

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Houston Texans on New England Patriots odds

How Texans vs. Patriots to watch

• Location: Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA.
• Time: 1:00 PM ET
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Fubo (free trial)

Expert picks for Texans vs. Patriots

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(Photo by Drake Maye: Neville E. Guard / Imagn Images)