NFL Wild Card weekend preview and predictions: The year of road warriors
By Ian Higgins
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Saturday, January 4th, 4:35 PM
– Key matchup: HOU pass-rush vs BUF offensive line
– X-Factors: Devin Singletary & Kenny Stills
After a surprisingly impressive 2019 season by sophomore quarterback Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills have found their quarterback for the future and have convincingly made it to the NFL postseason with a lack of offensive talent to compliment the young gunslinger. Running back Devin Singletary has emerged as the number one ball carrier for the Bills and provides the consistent output and a source of stability.
Houston has continued their winning ways in the AFC South, warding off subpar foes such as Indianapolis and Tennessee. Deshaun Watson has continued to grow as a legitimate NFL quarterback but needs to expand his playoff achievements to establish himself among the game’s elite. Recent acquisition Kenny Stills has added a third explosive receiver, making the Houston wideouts an athletic mismatch nightmare.
The key matchup in Houston will be the Houston pass rush with returning former MVP J.J. Watt versus the Buffalo offensive line. A young quarterback like Allen needs his time and space to thrive, and the Buffalo offense will ride on the success and confidence of Allen throughout this game.
In conjunction with this matchup, running back Devin Singletary will need to provide the consistency needed alongside the volatile Allen, and wide receiver Kenny Stills will need to continue to provide his vertical threat against a top-heavy Bills secondary.