Two AFC powerhouses are set to clash on Sunday afternoon. The Buffalo Bills (3-1; 2-2-0 ATS) will face off against the Houston Texans (3-1; 0-3-1 ATS) at 1:00 p.m. EST in NRG Stadium. Their last encounter in 2021 ended with a decisive 40-0 victory for the Bills. However, history shows that the Bills have struggled in their recent visits to Houston, losing their last four games there. Will this trend hold, or can the Texans rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd?
A Spotlight on Houston’s Offense
Fans are eager to see how Stefon Diggs performs against his former team. The anticipation has built as Diggs joins a Texans offense that averages 19.8 points per game. Most of their scoring comes from the air, with C.J. Stroud leading the charge, tossing an average of 263.5 passing yards per game, ranking him sixth among qualified quarterbacks. However, pass protection remains a concern, as Stroud has already been sacked 14 times. The Texans’ ground game lags behind, sitting 21st in both total rushing yards and yards per carry. The team has also recorded four turnovers this season. Will they turn their fortunes around this Sunday?
On the defensive side, the Texans are doing well, limiting opponents to the fifth-fewest yards per play, at 4.8. Despite this, they are allowing an average of 23.5 points per game and have only secured three takeaways so far. Like the Bills, Houston excels against the pass, restricting opposing quarterbacks to just 6.4 yards per attempt (5th). The Texans have managed to tally 14 sacks, but their run defense could improve, allowing 4.7 yards per attempt, ranking 25th in the league. They have yet to concede more than 20 points in a home game this season. Can they keep that streak alive?
Key Injuries – Joe Mixon (out); Laremy Tunsil (questionable); Juice Scruggs (questionable); Tytus Howard (questionable); Jake Hansen (questionable); Jimmie Ward (questionable)
Betting Insights for Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
This matchup presents a challenge for the Houston Texans, who may struggle to exploit the Buffalo Bills’ vulnerable run defense, especially with their top two running backs dealing with injuries. Their offense is likely to remain average if they can’t step up their game. Meanwhile, the Bills are expected to apply significant pressure to disrupt Houston’s drives.
Buffalo’s offensive strategy leans heavily on the run, and with the Texans allowing 4.7 yards per carry, both James Cook and quarterback Josh Allen are anticipated to find success on the ground. This will likely open up additional plays for the Bills. Unlike their previous outing, Buffalo is expected to find their rhythm and score over 30 points, which should secure them a victory on the road.
