The New England Patriots (2-0) will host the Houston Texans (2-0).
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has a 9-2 Thursday Night Football record, but history points towards the two losses. Belichick is 9-0 with Tom Brady as the starting quarterback; he is 0-2 with Drew Bledsoe and Matt Cassel at quarterback. Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett or injured quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will have their hands full.
Of course, the Patriots have a 6-1 record against the Texans, and a 3-0 record at home, with the offense averaging 33.4 points per game. Belichick seems to understand how to attack the Houston defense, including the 27-6 victory over Houston from the 2015 season.
The Texans are considered the Patriots South due to their staff and players. Head coach Bill O'Brien is the former Patriots offensive coordinator, offensive coordinator George Godsey used to be the Patriots quarterbacks coach, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel used to hold the same role for the Patriots, linebackers coach Mike Vrabel used to be a Patriots linebacker, and special teams coordinator Larry Izzo was a star special teams player for the Patriots.
Oh, and Vince Wilfork will be returning home, but this time as the Texans starting nose tackle.
Date: Thursday, September 22nd, 2016
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Kickoff: 8:25 PM EST
Betting line: Patriots are the 2.5-point underdogs
SB Nation Affiliates: Battle Red Blog
TV: CBS, NFL Network, Twitter
Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, with Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines
Channels: Courtesy of the New England Patriots media guide.
Massachusetts
Boston, Mass. WBZ-TV Ch. 4
Online Streaming: NFL Game Pass for international viewers, 98.5 The Sports Hub Online Radio Stream. You will also be able to stream this game on Twitter.
Radio: 98.5 FM, with Scott Zolak and Bob Socci
Additional Information: The Patriots provide an incredible breakdown on their website.