Score prediction for hotly anticipated Week 5 showdown

Week 4 wasn’t fairly for the Buffalo Payments (a 35-10 drubbing from the Baltimore Ravens), however the three weeks prior had been a dominant displaying from a crew many counted out heading into the 2024 season. The Houston Texans, conversely, battled by means of an in depth win towards the winless Jacksonville Jaguars final week. Now the Payments journey to Houston in a battle of 3-1 groups that may set both crew up in a great place transferring ahead.

The Texans’ run protection has allowed 4.7 yards per try to opposing backs this season (eighth worst within the league), which is the place the Payments’ offense can take management of this recreation. James Cook dinner is averaging a formidable 4.5 yards per carry this season, one thing the crew ought to lean on to not solely assault a Houston deficiency, however to handle the clock and preserve the injury-plagued Payments protection off the sector as a lot as doable. The duo of Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs (with the added ingredient of the returning Tank Dell) is harmful, each rating high ten within the league in receptions; nevertheless, they’re going to be going up towards one of many league’s greatest cornerback tandems in Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas. Houston has deployed Diggs within the slot a bit this season, however with Dell again within the lineup, the 2 perimeter corners may have their fingers full regardless.

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When evaluating these groups, the Payments’ means to run the ball with Cook dinner and, in fact, Josh Allen, performs instantly into the Texans’ weak point. On the flip facet, the Texans’ power on offense is their passing assault; nevertheless, the Payments have been unbelievable in cross protection, shutting down some elite receivers to lackluster manufacturing. Marvin Harrison Jr. Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill are among the many pass-catchers who’ve had poor video games towards the Buffalo secondary this season.

This recreation is shaping as much as be shut. The potential for drama is unsure with the Stefon Diggs scenario, but the Texans appear to be framing it as a revenge recreation. Feelings will possible be excessive on each side of the ball, however Buffalo might handle the clock and tempo by leaning on its means to run the ball. Anticipate a Cook dinner-heavy assault given Houston’s weaknesses and the damage to Khalil Shakir, and as we have seen in previous weeks, Buffalo now has the flexibility to win when counting on the bottom recreation. Payments win, 27 – 23.

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