Texans Aim to Extend Two-Decade Dominance Over Bills
As the Houston Texans prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 12, a curious historical narrative looms overhead. The Texans have wielded a notable advantage in this matchup, particularly when it comes to games played in Houston. The Texans will look to maintain this trend as they host the Bills in a Thursday Night Football clash.
Struggles for the Bills in Houston
The recent history between these two teams is weighted heavily in favor of the Texans. The Bills enter this matchup having lost their last five games played in Houston, a streak that dates back to the 2005 season. Josh Allen, the talented quarterback for Buffalo, has faced the Texans three times during his tenure, yet he remains winless against them. Over those five games, the Bills have struggled offensively, averaging just 15.6 points per contest. More telling is their inability to score more than 20 points in any of those outings, underscoring the Texans’ defensive prowess on their home turf.
Texans Defense: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Heading into this pivotal Week 12 matchup, the Texans are riding a wave of momentum and aim to extend their current win streak to three games. At the core of Houston’s success is a defense that ranks at the top of the NFL in several key statistical categories. They lead the league in scoring defense, yards allowed per game, and EPA allowed per play. This formidable unit combines a relentless pass rush with a suffocating secondary, making them one of the most well-rounded defenses in the league. Remarkably, the Texans have allowed over 20 points just once this season, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses.
Josh Allen’s Mixed Bag in Houston
While Allen is coming off one of his most impressive performances of the season—accounting for six total touchdowns, including three passing and three rushing, along with 317 yards through the air—his history in Houston raises questions. In his two previous visits to the city, he has thrown for a combined 215 yards with a disappointing completion percentage of just 40%. He has managed only one touchdown and carries a 0-2 record against the Texans. This inconsistency could play a pivotal role as both teams vie for supremacy.
The Stakes for the Texans
For the Texans, this matchup presents an opportunity not just to extend their dominance over the Bills but also to climb above the .500 mark for the first time this season. To capitalize on their historical edge, they must focus on containing Allen while leveraging the strengths that have defined their defense throughout the year.
As this matchup approaches, the anticipation builds. Will the Texans maintain their hold over the Bills, or will Allen finally break through in Houston? Only time will tell, but the history favors the Texans as they aim to cement their legacy in this compelling rivalry.
