The initial game of NFL Week 12 showcases an AFC face-off in the heart of Texas, where the 5-5 Houston Texans host Josh Allen and the 7-3 Buffalo Bills. The Texans are riding the momentum of two consecutive victories, highlighted by a 16-13 triumph over their divisional adversary, the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the Bills are energized from their high-scoring 44-32 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Davis Mills will once again take the helm for the Texans, as C.J. Stroud is set to sit out his second game due to a concussion. Mills boasts a 2-0 record as the starting quarterback this season, averaging 283 passing yards per game. He has accounted for four touchdowns, with one interception, while enduring six sacks in these games.
The Bills bounced back with a win last week, a game marked by frequent lead changes. However, they still trail the New England Patriots in the AFC East standings by 1.5 games. Facing a backup quarterback and an offense ranked in the bottom 10 in rushing yards, Buffalo has a significant chance to capitalize.
Here’s a detailed analysis of this week’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup, including how to catch the game live.
How to watch Bills vs. Texans live
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 20 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- Stream: Prime
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Odds: Bills -5.5; O/U 43.5 (via FanDuel)
Bills vs. Texans: Key Points
- Davis Mills had difficulties in his prior matchup against Buffalo. While Mills has seen some success recently, his previous start against the Bills in 2021 was a struggle. He completed 11 of 21 pass attempts for just 87 yards, no touchdowns, and a career-high four interceptions in a 40-0 defeat.
- Josh Allen has experienced setbacks in Houston. Allen has a 83-37 record as a starting quarterback in regular season games, but he’s faced adversity in Houston. The Bills have been defeated by Houston twice with walk-off field goals when Allen has been at quarterback.
- Bills’ run defense is a weakness. The Bills possess the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL, giving up an average of 169.7 yards per game. However, their run defense has been problematic. Buffalo is giving up the second-most rushing yards per game with 153.0, and has conceded six rushing touchdowns of 30 or more yards this season – tied for the highest number through 10 games in NFL history.
- Who has the NFL’s top defense? Many believe the Denver Broncos have the best defensive unit in the NFL, but the Texans might contend for that title. Houston is allowing a league-low 258.1 total yards per game and are the most restrictive in allowing points, at just 16.3 per game. Impressively, 16.3 is the lowest amount allowed through 10 games by a team with a losing record since 2003! Houston has restricted opponents to less than 20 points in seven of their 10 games this season.
- Teams struggling in prime time? The Bills hold a 2-2 record in prime-time games this season, but have been defeated in their last two night games. The Texans, conversely, have lost both of their prime-time games this year.
Bills vs. Texans forecasting, selection
While Allen may not favor playing in Houston, he enjoys playing on Thursdays. Allen holds the best Thursday record (8-0) among starting quarterbacks since 1950. He has accumulated 290 total touchdowns in his career, the most by any player aged 30 or younger, and leads the NFL in total touchdowns this season with 28. These statistics highlight his capability to overcome the stout Texans defense.
The Texans staged an impressive comeback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 and managed to secure a win in Tennessee last Sunday, despite being scoreless in the first half. However, the Bills present a more significant challenge. Buffalo is projected to cover the spread in this prime-time contest. Pick: Bills -5.5; Under 43.5
