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The New England Patriots will take on the Houston Texans Thursday night in what is sure to a great game despite the injuries for the Patriots. The Texans will enter with a well-balanced offense and stingy defense as they look to stop the running attack of the Patriots, noticeably, LeGarrette Blount.

Blount has been the main benefactor with the absence of Tom Brady. While the attention has been focused on QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, it’s been Blount that has provided the stability that has kept this engine moving forward to a 2-0 record. Blount has carried the ball 51 times for 193 yards and two touchdowns on the ground with 3.8 yards per carry.

If the Pats are without Garoppolo Thursday night that will force Bill Belichick to rely on rookie QB, Jacoby Brissett. A rookie going against J.J. Watt and this Texans defense is never a good idea. But in doing so it will also mean a heavy load for the Patriots ground game. If the Pats defense can somehow force Brock Osweiler into mistakes that will serve well and keep the game from getting out of hand, thus resulting in more opportunities for Blount.

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Blount will still be a must-start against this defense for the simple fact that the Texans will blitz Brissett early and often, giving him no time to throw. The only way to offset those blitzes will be to hand the ball off to Blount and make the defense adjust. Blount is a veteran and still has the speed to hit the corners but he loves the physical play of hitting the gut of the defense. If he can manage to break the first line and get in open space, one-on-one with an LB, my money will be on Blount to win that matchup.

LeGarrette Blunt is a must Fantasy Football start against the Patriots.