Patriots Dealing With Flu, Texans, & Tightening Playoff Race

FOXBORO -- Following Nick Folk's emergency surgery, the Patriot signed Kai Forbath to the roster, the third time the team has needed to replace a kicker this season. What can Patriots fans expect from Forbath? And how will Bill Belichick adjust his strategy? Evan Lazar and Alex Barth break it down from Gillette Stadium. The Patriots face crucial match-ups both internally and externally in Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. How will Bill Belichick's squad handle a game following a week the flu ran through the locker room? Among those who was sick was Stephon Gilmore, who New England needs to lock down Deandre Hopkins on Sunday. On the other side of the ball, can N'Keal Harry step up? As Bill Belichick likes to say, "real football starts after Thanksgiving". With the end of the regular season in sight, Evan Lazar and Alex Barth break down the AFC field. How many wins will it take the Patriots to secure the number one seed? Which division leader is in the most trouble? And who ends up with that number six seed? Get caught up on the illness sweeping the Patriots locker room and how it could effect the team on Sunday. 18 players total were listed on the report, with 17 questionable. In addition to those dealing with the illness, there's also news on Tom Brady and Julian Edelman For more Patriots coverage, follow @PatriotsCLNS on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices