The Texans and Bills each enter this matchup on two-game winning streaks. Both have playoff hopes but, in the uber-competitive AFC, this could be a make-or-break game—especially for the Bills. Who should online sports betting fans support in this one?
Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills
Sunday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET
NFL odds: Texans -3
The Texans are coming off a narrow victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Houston nearly squandered a 21-0 lead by allowing three second-half touchdowns, exemplifying how poorly this “D” is capable of playing. The defense was repeatedly burned by tight end Vernon Davis, who had 93 yards and three touchdowns, but at least the Bills don’t have a viable tight end threat to take advantage this week. If it’s not one thing, though, it’s another in Houston. No matter what happens, you know this unit is going to give up its fair share of points.
That’s why the offense must be efficient at all times to get a win. Although the Texans weren’t as explosive as usual, they committed just one turnover. Matt Schaub played a clean game, going 20-30 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Schaub is the biggest reason to take Houston on sports picks on a regular basis and he leads the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yardage. His favorite target, Andre Johnson, is suffering through a bruised lung right now. He’s expected to play against Buffalo but who knows if he’ll go the distance.
How Buffalo has clawed its way to two straight wins is anybody’s guess. The Bills averaged just 231 yards of offense in those contests, both of which were started by Ryan Fitzpatrick. The former Bengals back-up quarterback isn’t lighting the world on fire–he’s yet to surpass 123 yards in a game–but results are results. Fitzpatrick’s presence has at least got No. 1 reciever Lee Evans going again; evans has nine catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns after putting up 12/159/1 in his first five games.
The plodding offense has been negated by a sound defense in the past two wins. Buffalo has allowed only 25 points during that stretch and its play on third down has been spectacular. The Jets and Panthers have gone just 5-28 on third down against Buffalo in the past two weeks. It’s a streak the Bills certainly can’t keep going but, if they continue to excel on third down, they’ll be a tough challenge for anyone.
Expect Houston to have a tough time adjusting the frigid conditions in Buffalo. That, coupled with Johnson’s injury, should slow down the offense and give Buffalo a chance to hang around. Buffalo should cover and perhaps even win outright on your NFL predictions this week.
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