3. Texas leaguers: Schaub has to get into a rhythm with dump-offs to Foster and Owen Daniels to build his confidence; he looked zombie-like at times during the team’s meltdown at Gillette last month.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Vince Wilfork has been wreaking havoc all season. The massive yet nimble tackle has superb strength and smarts. He is equally adept at bull-rushing blockers or shooting gaps and either swallowing up ball carriers or redirecting them into the arms of teammates. Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love have become dependable contributors. On the edge, Chandler Jones (explosive) and Rob Ninkovich (smart and relentless) will bring pressure. Houston end J.J. Watt is a destructive force. He has tremendous size and strength, collapses the pocket quickly, and his favorite sport is kill the man with the ball. He also uses his long arms to bat down about 175 passes per game. Opposite end Antonio Smith is smart and shifty, and nose man Shaun Cody is a space eater.

EDGE: Patriots

LINEBACKERS

Jerod Mayo is one of the more instinctive players in the league. He processes information quickly and uses his size, strength, and lateral quickness to get in on what seems like every tackle in every game. Brandon Spikes has become an invaluable piece to this defense and it’s obvious when he’s not on the field. The energetic Spikes is exceptional against the run. He finds runners quickly and delivers mind-numbing hits. Rookie Dont’a Hightower is an explosive hitter who will disappear at times. Bradie James, Connor Barwin, and Whitney Mercilus are the best of the bunch for Houston. James has good vision and quickness and will sift through blockers and get his nose in on a lot of tackles. The underrated Barwin has the speed to rush off the edge and the power to collect and punish runners. Mercilus is athletic and active.

EDGE: Even

SECONDARY

The Patriots have made great strides here. From a unit that made every opposing quarterback look like Johnny Unitas to a unit that makes every opposing quarterback work hard for what he gets. Corners Aqib Talib (he’s the best cover guy), Alfonzo Dennard (he’s consistently improving), and Kyle Arrington (he’s solid in the slot) work hard. The rotating safety trio of Steve Gregory, Devin McCourty (he may see time at corner), and Patrick Chung provides solid support and some big hits. Texans corners Johnathan Joseph (he’s an excellent cover man with good ball skills) and Kareem Jackson (he’s fast and agile) are rarely out of position. Danieal Manning can play either corner or safety adequately. Safeties Glover Quin (he’s physical and rangy) and Shiloh Keo (he’s raw but willing) like to get involved.

EDGE: Texans

SPECIAL TEAMS

New England has two very good return men in Devin McCourty on kickoffs and Wes Welker on punts. McCourty had a 24.2-yard average on 27 returns, including a 104-yarder for a touchdown. Welker, the full-time punt return man with Julian Edelman out, is always a threat. Stephen Gostkowski is among the best kickoff men in the league, consistently booming it through the end zone. He has hit on 29 of 35 field goal attempts. Zoltan Mesko had a 43.1-yard average on punts. Matthew Slater and Nate Ebner are coverage demons. Shayne Graham was 4 for 4 on field goals for the Texans last week but just 4 for 9 on 50-plus-yard attempts this season. Danieal Manning (kickoffs) and speed burner Keshawn Martin (punts) will handle the return duties for Houston. Alan Ball gets downfield in a hurry.

EDGE: Patriots

KEY MATCHUP

Texans RB Arian Foster vs. Patriots LB Jerod Mayo