The AFC Playoff field is set, and the Houston Texans will host the Buffalo Bills in one of two Wild Card games this weekend. The Houston Texans were champions of the AFC South again this season, and they were able to rest their starters in week 17. Buffalo nearly caught the New England Patriots in the AFC East, but had to settle for a wild card spot and the number five seed. This game will feature an explosive offense taking on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Houston finished the 2019 season with a record of 10-6 to win the division. The Texans won four of five games during a stretch late in the season, and should be well rested in this game. Houston has playoff experience, and that could play a role in this game. Buffalo was expected to be better in 2019, but it was hard to envision them being this good. The Bills finished the season with a record of 10-6 as well, but they have lost three of their last four games. The Houston Texans are -3.0 point favorites over the Buffalo Bills in this game.
Bills Must Win With Defense
The Buffalo Bills allowed just over 16 points per game this season, and their defense will need to show up in this game. Buffalo entered week 17 with 42 sacks as a team, and they have a terrific secondary as well. The Bills have not given up more than 24 points in each of their last nine games, and they should have another solid performance against the Houston Texans.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for over 3,000 yards this season, and he seemed to get better as the year went along. Allen has also ran for over 500 yards this season, and he can keep plays alive with his legs. The Bills averaged right at 20 points per game this season, and they will likely need to score more than that to pull off this upset.
Watson Leads Explosive Texans Offense
The Houston Texans averaged over 24 points per game this season, and they can score points in a hurry. Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for over 3,800 yards this season, and racked up 26 touchdowns through the air. Wide receiver De’Andre Hopkins is a gamebreaker at that position, and the Texans will throw the ball a ton in this game. The Texans will be facing a terrific defense in this game, but they can score on anyone.
Houston has dealt with a ton of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and this is not a terrific defensive unit. The Texans gave up over 24 points per game during the regular season, and they gave up over 210 rushing yards in a week 17 loss. Houston did have over 30 sacks during the season, and that could help them slow down the Bills in this game.
Texans Too Much For Upset-Minded Bills
The Buffalo Bills have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2019, and they have done it with a very young roster. Buffalo is going to be a force in the AFC East for years to come, but they will have a shot to win this game as well. The Bills can really defend, and that should keep them in this game until the very end. Houston just has too many weapons on offense to be slowed down, and the Texans have playoff experience. Houston is going to make enough plays to survive and advance in this game. Bet the Houston Texans -3.0 over the Buffalo Bills in this AFC Wild Card game. Take the Texans -3 at our favorite pay per head bookie site RealBookies.
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