The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills are preparing to face off in a blockbuster AFC matchup that could go a long way in determining playoff seeding down the line. Both teams are currently 3-1, with the Texans coming off a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Bills looking to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Sunday will also be a revenge game of sorts for Texans receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to Houston by the Bills this offseason. Diggs downplayed the game when asked if he would play against his former team, but star Nico Collins is desperate to win for his new teammate, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.
“We know it’s a big game for Stef,” Collins said, according to Alper. “We know what we have to do, we have to come out here and win for Stef. I’m happy for my dog. I’m happy he’s a part of the Texans, but know that this game means a lot to him. I think it’s only right for us to go out there and have fun and get this win for him.
Collins and Diggs have formed a dynamic duo for quarterback CJ Stroud in the passing game, and they will look to pull off the upset at home on Sunday.
Keys for the Texans to beat the Bills
Any list of keys to a team beating the Bills has to start by containing Josh Allen. Allen has been the best player in the NFL so far in 2024, going on a superhuman tear through the first three games before coming back down to earth a bit against the Ravens.
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There, the Texans have a good pass rush, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on the outside, but both will need to be aware of their positioning on the field and not fly too far up the field to try to pursue Allen . If they do, the Bills superstar will be rushing everywhere and the Bills will be very difficult to stop.
It will also be very interesting to watch the strength versus strength matchup when the Bills have the ball in this one. The Texans have been very good in man coverage this season, leading the league with a 69.2% success rate among men, according to PFF. Allen has thrived against man coverage this season, which allows him to attack matchups and opens up lanes for him as a jammer. The Bills will have a tougher time against the man without Khalil Shakir, one of their best route runners.
Offensively, CJ Stroud should be able to attack the middle of the Bills defense which is very banged up and was harassed by the Ravens last week. Stroud has the accuracy as a passer and the weapons on the outside to take advantage, and Sunday’s game could be high-scoring as a result.
