The Buffalo Bills hope to get back in the win column Sunday when they visit the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Both teams enter the Week 5 game with a record of 3-1. The Bills will look to right the ship after losing to the Baltimore Ravens last week, while the Texans hope to prove further that they belong among the best in the AFC.
For the Bills to win on the road it will need to take execution from everyone, but there are a few important factors that can help the Bills walk out of Houston with a win.
Here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 5:
Get the running game going
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The Texans are 25th in the NFL in yards per rush allowed, and they are 26th in yards before contact per rush. The Bills went away from the ground game last week, and it didn’t bode well for them. Due to the Texans’ speed on the perimeter of their defense, the best way to attack should be right up the middle. Running behind left guard David Edwards, center Connor McGovern and right guard O’Cyrus Torrence could pave the way for James Cook to get back on track. Cook is currently averaging 4.5 yards per carry and already has three rushing touchdowns this year.
Use the tight ends
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Tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid are primed for some increased opportunities Sunday. Khalil Shakir’s targets in the middle of the field are up for grabs. And, the Texans’ nickel-based defense should funnel chances inside for the Bills. Running 12-personnel with two tight ends could expose the Texans’ undersized defenders, much like the Ravens did to the Bills last week. Whether it’s run-blocking or running a route, the tight ends could be heavily involved.
Pressure C.J. Stroud
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It’s no secret the Texans have stellar offensive weapons to spread it around to. Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell and others all pose a threat at all times. The best way to take them out of the game is to make it difficult to throw on time. Pressure from the defensive line or a blitz could prove to be a major key for the Bills. According to ESPN win rate metrics, the Texans’ pass-block win rate ranked 22nd in the NFL. It will be a big opportunity for guys to step up on the defensive line for the Bills with he injury to Ed Oliver and the suspension of Von Miller.