Honorable Mentions: Every player on offense deserves credit for putting together a quality performance, especially once running back LeGarrette Blount went down with an injury. No single player really stood out.
Third Star: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks had a massive game with a pair of key sacks to end the game. The Patriots needed Hicks to step up with Sealver Siliga inactive and Dominique Easley on the sideline, and Hicks didn't disappoint. He's one of the strongest players on the team.
Second Star: Cornerback Logan Ryan locked down Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins picked up a nice 40-yard gain in garbage time, thanks to an uncalled push-off (it was a good play by Hopkins), but Ryan limited Hopkins to 2 receptions for 12 yards on 4 targets before the end of the game. It was a brilliant performance from a cornerback that is slowly growing a reputation after shutting down Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas.
First Star: Defensive end Jabaal Sheard collected two sacks and two forced fumbles. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich had to help out on special teams, so Sheard picked up some of the slack on defense. There might not be a better run defender on the roster and his returned health is a major boon for the rest of the year.