Are the stars at night big and bright “deep in the heart of Texas?” The Buffalo Bills will need to answer that question this weekend when star quarterback Josh Allen leads the team against the formidable Houston Texans. The odds on this game have it as basically a toss-up.
Last weekend, Allen didn’t finish the game when his team was humbled in a loss in Baltimore. Buffalo emptied the bench at the end in a 35-10 defeat, and Allen was a non-factor. The Bills’ second-ranked offense will need his versatility against a Houston defense that makes it hard for opponents to move the chains.
The 65 first downs the Texans have allowed are the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Impressively, defensive coordinator Matt Burke has both the run defense and pass defense, which ranks fourth in passing yards allowed per game, playing well.
Yes, Allen will be a key, of course. But two weapons are key for Buffalo — and one is out this week. Running back James Cook has 227 rushing yards and three touchdowns and is active this week. But receiver Khalil Shakir (18 receptions for 230 yards, two touchdowns) is out this week with an ankle injury.
Houston, too, has a key player out. Running back Joe Mixon is out for Sunday’s game as he nurses an ankle injury. The Texans had hoped Mixoon could be back to support QB C.J. Stroud.
Last Sunday, the second-year star led the Texans on a drive to win the game in the last seconds. Mature is the operative word for Stroud, but with Mixon still unavailable to take his handoffs, can we expect him to pull magic out of his right shoulder every week?
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.
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Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans odds
How to watch Bills vs. Texans
- Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Bills vs. Texans
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(Photo of C.J. Stroud: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
