Houston at New England

New England has nothing to prove in this opener. A year ago, the Patriots opened at home in Week 1 of the preseason and lost to the Giants, 23-21, getting outgained 426-316. The Giants had a new head coach in Brian Daboll. New NFL coaches are more motivated for strong performances and wins, even in the preseason, to show their new bosses and fans that they were the right hire. New England opens this preseason at home against another team with a new coaching staff. DeMeco Ryans takes the reigns rebuilding the Texans. Houston has a decent QB rotation for preseason with mobile rookie C.J. Stroud, joined by veterans Davis Mills and Case Keenum. Mills has played in 28 NFL games with 33 TDs while Kennum has played in 78 NFL games with 78 TDs. The Texans had a bad season in 2022 but won all three of their preseason games, including a 24-20 victory at the Rams in their only road game. Look for a very competitive effort from the young team with far more to prove. Play Houston.