The Buffalo Bills host the Houston Texans on Sunday. They are 17.5-point favorites, the biggest favorite in the league for Week 4. Here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
• Overcome injuries
We already know the Bills will be without starting safety Jordan Poyer, as well as starting offensive guard John Feliciano. Jaquan Johnson is most likely the replacement for Poyer. He's been in the organization for over two years and knows the system, but it's hard to imagine Johnson being able to disguise all of the coverages and being as adept at the non-verbal communication as Poyer is with partner Micah Hyde. Ike Boettger will most likely get the start in place of Feliciano. Cody Ford struggled last week at the other guard spot. Their depth is then at the position. It will be interesting to see how the Bills play it up front. Given that they have elevated cornerback Cam Lewis from the practice squad could also be an indication they'll also be without starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson. Lewis has been with the team for a couple of seasons, but has only actually played in five games. That's three backups who will have an important role on Sunday.
• Hey, rookie!
The Texans are starting rookie quarterback Davis Mills. He's a classic pocket passer who can make all of the throws and has a good arm, but playing on the road in front of Bills fans and against their defense will be a huge challenge. And that Bills defense needs to do everything they can to make life as miserable as possible for him. As Hyde pointed out earlier this week, Mills hasn't seen every defense the league has to offer. That is probably an indication that Leslie Frazier and Sean McDermott will throw a lot of different looks at him.
• Keep it going
The Bills passing game finally got back on track last week against the Washington Football Team. Josh Allen's performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Now they'll face a Texans defense that ranks 22nd in passing yards per game allowed, and 23rd in passing yards per play given up. Despite the fact that it's going to rain Sunday, the passing game needs to build on what it did last week and take advantage of a defensive unit they should be able to throw on.
NOTES AND STATS
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