Score prediction for the highly anticipated Week 5 showdown

Week 4 wasn’t pretty for the Buffalo Bills (a 35-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens), but the previous three weeks were a dominant performance from a team that many were already anticipating heading into the 2024 season. The Houston Texans, on the other hand, eked out a narrow win against the winless Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Now the Bills travel to Houston in a matchup of 3-1 teams that could put both teams in a good position for the future.

The Texans’ run defense allowed opposing backs 4.7 yards per attempt this season (eighth-worst in the league), allowing the Bills’ offense to take control of this game. James Cook is averaging an impressive 4.5 yards per carry this season. The team should rely on that not only to make up for a Houston deficiency, but also to control the clock and keep the injury-plagued Bills defense off the field as much as possible. The duo of Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs (with the added element of the returning Tank Dell) is dangerous, as both rank in the top ten in the league in receptions; However, they face one of the best cornerback tandems in the league in Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas. Houston has used Diggs in the slot a bit this season, but with Dell back in the lineup, the two outside corners will still have their hands full.

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When comparing these teams, the Bills’ ability to run the ball alongside Cook and of course Josh Allen plays right into the Texans’ weakness. On the other hand, the Texans’ strength on offense lies in their passing attack; However, the Bills have been fantastic in pass defense and have shut down some elite receivers due to poor performance. Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are among the pass catchers who have had poor games against Buffalo’s secondary this season.

It’s becoming apparent that this game will be close. The potential for drama is uncertain given the Stefon Diggs situation, but the Texans seem to be portraying it as a vendetta. Emotions will likely be high on both sides of the ball, but Buffalo could control the clock and pace by leaning on its ability to run the ball. Given Houston’s weaknesses and Khalil Shakir’s injury, expect a Cook-heavy attack, and as we’ve seen in recent weeks, Buffalo now has the ability to win when relying on the ground game. Bills win 27:23.

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