Houston Texans @ New England Patriots live on Sky Sports 1

Jacoby Brissett stepped in after Jimmy Garoppolo was injured against the Dolphins a week ago, and the rookie will face a steep challenge as he seems ready to guide the Patriots against the undefeated Texans.

Brissett completed six of nine passes in the Patriots' 31-24 victory over the Dolphins, and it looks as though the third-round draft pick will be required to keep New England's perfect 2-0 start to the season intact.

Garoppolo left the game in the second quarter after taking a hit from linebacker Kiko Alonso, and was diagnosed with a sprained right shoulder. He had thrown for 234 yards and three touchdowns until that point, following up on an impressive first start in the Patriots' 23-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Whether Garoppolo plays, and how long he remains out, is still uncertain. 

He and Brissett have been filling in for Tom Brady, who was suspended for the first four games of the season for his role in the 'Deflategate' saga in the AFC Championship Game in 2015.

As well as Garoppolo, the Patriots are still awaiting the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has missed the first two games because of a hamstring injury.

Garoppolo's performance has been matched by that of Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, who won his first two starts with his new team after leaving the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos in the offseason.

The success of rookie wide receiver Will Fuller, who has had back to back 100+ yard games to start the season, as well as the arrival of running back Lamar Miller have aided the Houston attack, and the team will arrive at Foxborough as slight favourites. 

Key match ups

The Texans' defense, led by pass rushers J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, has allowed 310.2 total yards and 210.4 passing yards this season and ranks third in the league in both categories. A return by Gronkowski would certainly help the Patriots, who got two touchdowns from Danny Amendola in the win over the Dolphins.

Watt, who has 1.5 sacks through the first two games, and Clowney, finally healthy after two seasons, would make life difficult for Garoppolo. Considering they're more likely to face off against Brissett, the Patriots will need to do all they can to protect the rookie.

Watch the Houston Texans @ the New England Patriots live on Friday from 1.25am on Sky Sports 1.