Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Despite having a shot at a comeback on the road against the Houston Texans in prime-time on "Thursday Night Football", the Buffalo Bills fell short in disappointing fashion, falling 23-19 at NRG Stadium.
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The Bills offense sputtered out once again, as quarterback Josh Allen did not get the protection needed to play at his best on Thursday. He ended his evening in Houston by completing 24-of-34 pass attempts for 253 yards, but was sacked a career-high eight times and was picked off twice.
While James Cook accounted for a rushing touchdown on the first drive of the game, he was held relatively in check the rest of the way, accounting for 117 yards rushing on 17 carries.
Defensively, the Bills struggled against Davis Mills, failing to sack him and create problems for the Texans' backup quarterback. However, they did just enough to only give up three second-half points, and allow the offense a chance to win the game for Buffalo.
With six games remaining in the 2025 regular season, the Bills are facing a 7-4 record in the AFC standings, and their chances at a sixth-straight AFC East title fleeting. That's because the New England Patriots continue to find ways to win games, now sitting with a 10-2 record in the division, which also has them currently in the No. 1 slot in the overall conference standings.
Up next for the Bills on the schedule is a trip to the "Steel City", where they will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 4:25 p.m.
The Steelers are coming off a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears, and that was without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who did not play in the game due to a fractured left wrist. Despite the injury, though, Rodgers is expected to return to the lineup come Sunday against the Bills.
While the Steelers are not the flashiest teams on either side of the football, they boast a 6-5 record and are right there with the Baltimore Ravens in the running for the AFC North. Where this Steelers team may provide a challenge for the Bills this week is their defense, which is among the top teams in the league in both sacks and forced turnovers.
Even though the Bills have been inconsistent with their play on a week-to-week basis, Howard Simon still believes Buffalo has a legitimate shot at clinching a playoff spot in the AFC come season's end. But is there still a path to the division with one more matchup remaining against the Patriots this season?
While Howard has the Bills managing to beat the Steelers on the road this week, his only other loss on the schedule this season remains against the Patriots in Week 15, essentially sealing Buffalo's fate in the AFC East.
Be sure to follow along on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest picks from Howard by using the hashtag #HowardPicksTheBills. You can also track all of Howard's picks throughout the season with Brayton Wilson's picks tracker on X: @BraytonJWilson.
You can listen to, as well as watch the latest edition of "Howard Picks the Bills" below: