The NFL announced that the week 14 game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans has been flexed to Sunday Night Football. It will take the place of the Seattle Seahawks facing the Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans are currently tied for first place in the AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts.
This will be the sixth Patriots game in prime time, in excess of the typical limit of five games per team:
Week 1, Steelers
Week 6, Colts
Week 8, Dolphins
Week 11, Bills
Week 12, Broncos
Week 14, Texans
Prime time games are difficult for teams to handle because it changes the weekly schedule for players. Patriots owner Robert Kraft specifically asks for more 1:00 PM EST games because it's better for the players.
The Texans are essentially Patriots South, led by former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien (head coach), former tight ends coach George Godsey (offensive coordinator), former defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel (defensive coordinator), former All Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel (linebackers coach), and former defensive lineman Anthony Pleasant (defensive assistant).
Houston also fields former Patriots back-up quarterback Brian Hoyer and All Time Great defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.