Texans Beat Bills in an Exciting “Thursday Night Football”
The Houston Texans firmly position themselves in the playoff race after a resounding 23-19 victory against the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football”. The team demonstrated its worth, especially its defense, which currently ranks first in the league. The Texans’ defense, recognized as number one, limited the Bills’ offense to only 12 points. This unit, which allows an average of 16.4 points per game, demonstrated its strength by taking down Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen on eight occasions. The defense sealed the victory with a crucial interception by safety Calen Bullock. Despite a scare in the last play, where the Bills managed a fourth-down and 27-yard advance, the Texans managed to hold their lead. With this victory, the team surpasses 50% wins and increases their chances of reaching the playoffs, with 37% according to the analyses.
Houston Texans (6-5)
Surprising Performance: Backup Davis Mills threw two touchdown passes and led the Texans’ offense to score 23 points, outperforming the opposing team’s MVP. Houston’s season seemed uncertain after C.J. Stroud’s injury, but Mills took the reins and achieved a 3-0 record.Key Moment: The Texans’ touchdown before halftime, following a kickoff return by Ray Davis, marked a turning point. Mills connected with Jayden Higgins for a touchdown with just seconds remaining, giving Houston a 20-16 lead. Given Houston’s solid defense, the 20 points in the first half were enough to secure the victory.
Trend to Watch: The Texans’ defense, which allowed the fewest points per game (16.3) before Week 12, added eight sacks against Allen, a season high. With the defense combining sacks and a standout defense, they could be facing one of the best defenses of recent seasons.Key Statistic: Mills performed well thanks to the offensive line’s protection, being pressured on only 14% of his pass attempts. The Texans’ offensive line showed its best game of the season, considering the quality of the Bills and the importance of the match.Next Game: Against the Indianapolis Colts (November 30, 1 p.m. ET)
Buffalo Bills (7-4)
The Bills’ offense failed to generate a consistent attack during the game. Despite an attempt in the final minutes, including a fourth-down and 27-yard play, the offense couldn’t reach the end zone. Allen was sacked for the seventh and eighth time. The lack of annotations and errors, such as a false output, prevented the Bills from winning. Buffalo falls to 7-4.Key Statistic: James Cook III became the third Bills player with 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons.Quarterback Performance: The eight sacks were a key factor. The offense struggled and the sacks, combined with the lack of open receivers, Allen’s decisions, and a good Texans defense, limited opportunities.Trend to Watch: Turnover differential. The Bills saw their streak of 26 games without losing the turnover differential end in Week 5, and it has been in decline ever since. In the six games since, Buffalo has won the turnover differential twice.Next Game: Against the Pittsburgh Steelers (November 30, 4:25 p.m. ET)
