Texans @ Patriots Monday, Dec. 9, 2012 8:30 p.m. ET

Arguably the most anticipated matchup of Week 14 will come on the main stage with the Houston Texans going head-to-head with the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football at Gillette Stadium.

Both of these teams come into this AFC heavyweight showdown on impressive red-hot with six-game winning streaks and the distinction as arguably the two best teams in the conference. This game may very well be a preview of a playoff matchup in the near future.

Tom Brady continues to make a strong case for NFL MVP while leading the offense to an average of 40.3 points per contest in the last six games. Brady has thrown for 3,537 yards and 25 touchdowns thus far and has shown no signs of slowing down.

The Patriots’ defense is improved this season in terms of stopping the run with a 9^th ranked run defense holding opponents to 100.8 rushing yards per game. Unfortunately, the pass defense is among the worst in the league giving up 279.9 passing yards per contest.

With that being said, the Texans will likely try and attack the Texans’ defense through the air. Much like New England, Houston has been solid on the offensive side of the football this season with one of the best mixes of run and pass in the NFL.

The one difference in this game will be on the defensive side of the football with the Texans among the best in the league in that category. Houston’s defense will be the difference.

As of right now, the Patriots are favored to successfully defend their home field on Monday night with a -3 point spread. The Texans will prove they’re the best team in the league at Gillette Stadium by pulling off the slight upset.

Take the Texans at +3.

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