A little Rob Gronkowski goes a long way for Patriots

Scott Chandler has filled in for Gronkowski, who has 57 catches for 931 yards with nine touchdowns in 11 games.

The New England Patriots (10-2) are coming from a 35-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Watt broke his hand in practice on Wednesday, and Rob Gronkowski has been dealing with a knee sprain- but both of them will be active in tonight’s match-up.

The only good news for the Texans is that former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is looking like the guy they thought they were investing in.

Hoyer was sacked five times in the game, including one hard hit in the fourth quarter by Akiem Hicks where Hoyer’s head hit the ground forcefully.

The Patriots added another field goal on the first possession of the third quarter, pushing the lead to 20-6.

Hoyer was concussed in Week 10 during a Monday night game against the Bengals and reported during the game that he was having trouble remembering plays.

None of that stopped the Patriots from limiting the two people who might have caused them the most trouble, though: receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had just three receptions for 52 yards, and pass rusher J.J. Malcolm Brown came away with the ball, and three plays later, White went up the gut for two yards to make it 27-6 with just over 12 minutes left in the game.

On Sunday night in Houston, the New England Patriots (11-2) defeated the Houston Texans (6-7) by a score of 27-6. He rushed for 6 yards on the play before being tackled by Brian Cushing and Jared Crick and was slow to get up.

Houston’s offense was then forced to operate deep in their own territory after a lovely punt pinned them at the 3 yard line.

The Texan’s defense kept them in the game, holding the Patriots to only 3 points in the entire 3rd quarter. Houston challenged the call and it was overturned, but he actually fumbled on the next play on a sack by Sheard. With the win, New England clinched a playoff berth for the seventh consecutive season. New England coach Bill Belichick lauded the performance of his defense, with allowed just seven first downs, 189 yards and produced six sacks of Texans quarterbacks. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski made a triumphant return, but running back LeGarrette Blount went down, as did safety Devin McCourty, defensive lineman Dominique Easley and linebacker Jonathan Freeny.