The New England Patriots and Houston Texans will do battle in a pivotal Week 13 matchup and potential playoff preview on Sunday as both clubs look to inch closer toward some regular-season goals.

For the Patriots, they are trying to lock up yet another first-round bye. At 10-1, it seems like an inevitability, but they still need to win some games to make that happen.

Meanwhile, the Texans are looking to grow their lead in the AFC South, as they took sole possession of first place in the division with their win over the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday.

So, here are four things to watch as well as a prediction for this Week 13 tilt:

4. Can Sony Michel replicate his Week 12 success?

Sony Michel finally had a rather strong performance last week, carrying the ball 20 times for 85 yards in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Hopefully for the Patriots, it's a sign of things to come, as Michel has been less than stellar this season, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.

This weekend, Michel will be facing a so-so Texans run defense that is allowing 108 rushing yards per game, so the opportunity is there for him to come through with another strong outing.

With New England's offense struggling for much of the year, the Pats could certainly stand to use some more production from Michel going forward.

3. Is Will Fuller breaking out?

Talent was never the issue for Will Fuller. It was always his health.

Now, Fuller seems like he is healthy, and it showed last week after missing a month, as he logged seven catches for 140 yards in Houston's victory over Indianapolis.

If he can continue to be that effective alongside of DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans' aerial attack could be lethal the rest of the way.

The question is, was that just an isolated effort from Fuller, or can he do that against stronger defenses like the Patriots?

We're about to find out.

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2. How much of an impact will N'Keal Harry have?

When the Pats drafted N'Keal Harry in the first round back in April, they expected him to produce right off the bat. However, a preseason ankle injury prevented that from happening, as he was on the injured reserve list before finally making his debut in Week 11.

In two games, Harry has caught four passes for 28 yards and a touchdown.

Because the Josh Gordon thing didn't really work out, the Patriots need more from Harry during the stretch run and in the playoffs, so if he can put forth a strong effort on Sunday, it could pay major dividends.

The Texans have a weak pass defense (they rank 25th), so he should have a chance to produce.

1. Can the Patriots get to Tom Brady?

Houston traded Jadeveon Clowney before the season started. Then, last month, the Texans placed J.J. Watt on injured reserve.

That left Houston very limited in terms of pass rushers, and to no one's surprise, the Texans have totaled just 22 sacks on the year, which ranks 29th in the NFL.

With a limited pass rush, can the Texans find a way to get to Tom Brady?

If they can, they will put themselves in a great position to win.

Prediction: Patriots win a close one.