The Houston Texans raced out to an early lead in the first half and managed to survive a New England Patriots fightback to keep them on top of the AFC South.

Houston won the game 28-22, with quarterback Deshaun Watson excelling against a Pats defense that have been impressive all season.

Watson completed 18 of 25 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns. The play that saw three players touch the ball – Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Duke Johnson – was designed by the players themselves and led to Watson receiving the ball and diving into the corner for the score.

Duke Johnson contributed 90 yards and a score, while DeAndre Hopkins managed to beat Stephon Gilmore – arguably the league’s best cornerback – on the same route on three different occasions.

While New England will still almost certainly come good as they always seem to do, and still lead the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills are hunting them down in the division (now just a single game behind) and their offense again looked average as it has done all month.

In this mood and mentality, the Texans can beat anyone.

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