Context:

As the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Houston Texans in Thursday Night Football, both teams find themselves in crucial positions despite early season expectations. The Bills, at 7-3 and trailing the Patriots, need a win to maintain their division hopes, while the Texans, currently 5-5 and starting backup Davis Mills due to C.J. Stroud's concussion, aim to stay relevant in the playoff race. Josh Allen, coming off a historic six-touchdown game, faces a formidable Texans defense that leads the league in several metrics. The outcome could significantly impact both teams' postseason ambitions, particularly for Buffalo's aspirations of competing for the AFC East title. With playoff implications on the line, this matchup promises to be pivotal for both sides.

Dive Deeper:

• Before the season, the Bills and Texans were seen as division favorites, but the Texans currently sit third in the AFC South, three games behind the Colts, while the Bills are a game-and-a-half behind the Patriots in the AFC East.

• Davis Mills will step in for the Texans, having thrown for 274 yards and a touchdown in his previous game, while the Texans barely defeated the Titans, who have the worst record in the NFL at 1-9.

• Josh Allen's recent performance is notable, as he achieved six touchdowns in a single game, joining only one other player in NFL history to accomplish three passing and three rushing touchdowns in a game.

• Despite the Bills' potential, their passing game lacks depth, and their defense ranks 22nd in DVOA, indicating vulnerabilities that may hinder their Super Bowl aspirations.

• The Texans boast a strong defense, leading the league in yards allowed and points allowed, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson combining for 17 sacks, crucial for pressuring Allen.