The Patriots’ bid for an 11th consecutive AFC East title suddenly is in question.
A 28-22 loss Sunday night in Houston dropped New England to 10-2 with four games remaining, beginning with another formidable conference opponent, Kansas City, next week. Following their Thanksgiving win over Dallas, the Bills are just one game behind the Pats for the division lead with a head-to-head matchup looming Dec. 21, although they play host to rolling Baltimore in Week 14.
Bill Belichick’s defense had allowed just four passing touchdowns over its first 11 games, but Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson shredded the Pats for three scoring throws as Houston improved to 8-4. He also was credited with a TD reception in the fourth quarter on a flip from wide receiver Deandre Hopkins on a double-reverse trick play.
Tom Brady finished 24-for-47 for 326 yards, including touchdown passes to James White and Julian Edelman in the final 3:42, but the Pats were unable to recover an onside kick in the final minute.
The Patriots also slipped into the No.2 overall spot in the AFC behind the Ravens, who handed them their first loss of the season in a Sunday night matchup four weeks ago.