The New England Patriots and Houston Texans will collide on Sunday Night Football in an extremely pivotal AFC game. This matchup has tremendous payoff implications in the AFC as both the Patriots and Texans are fighting for better seeds.

New England Patriots (10-2)

The injury bug has targeted New England in a major way over the last few weeks. Tom Brady is running out of targets to throw to, and Brandon LaFell is dropping passes at an alarming rate. Robert Gronkowski is listed as doubtful for this game as he missed last week's game, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. On the bright side, Danny Amendola will be playing.

Without Julian Edelman on the field, Amendola has to make plays in short range areas to move the chains and get first downs. The offensive line obviously has to do much better, and it wouldn't be surprising if LeGarrette Blount is asked to block more than usual.

Defensively, the Patriots have performed well this year considering they lost Vince Wilfork, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Bill Belichick's squad ranks 10th in points allowed, 13th in yards allowed, and an impressive second in sacks accumulated. Patrick Chung missed his first practice of the season, but he is very much expected to play on Sunday as is Jamie Collins. Dont'a Hightower is still a question mark.

You can bet Malcolm Butler will be one-on-one with DeAndre Hopkins.

The Patriots play the Tennessee Titans next week.

Houston Texans (6-6)

Since starting the season off 2-5, the Texans have come alive the last two months. The Texans have won four of their last five games, and are tied with the Indianapolis Colts for first place in the AFC South at 6-6. The Colts have the tie-breaker because they defeated the Texans in Week 5.

J.J. Watt is having another incredible season with a league leading 13.5 sacks, but he did break his hand in practice this week. Watt is schedule to play on Sunday. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is starting to play good as well, and that's great news for the Texans defensive line.

Brian Hoyer is actually been playing well this year when given the chance. Hoyer has 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Hopkins has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the game, especially after that display he put on against Revis and the New York Jets.

The Texans play the Colts next week.

Schedule

The Patriots and Texans will play each other on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. You can watch a live game stream here.

Prediction

Normally I would pick the Patriots to win this game, but I just can't ignore the injuries. Brady doesn't have a very reliable target to throw to, and the Texans defense is playing fantastic right now. It won't hurt having home-field advantage either.

Texans win 24-17

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1