NFL Playoff Preview: How the Buffalo Bills stack up against the Houston Texans

Defensive comparison

Will J.J. Watt‘s return be enough to help struggling unit?

The Texans had major issues on defense this season, both in passing and rushing categories. They ranked near the bottom of the league in defense (29th in YPG, 25th in opponent passer rating, 20th in opponent completion percentage). They may be able to survive with these results this week given Buffalo’s struggles with the passing offense, but it’s still something to keep an eye out for.

Houston also struggles on 3rd down (30th in the NFL in 3rd down defense) and the Red Zone (Last in the NFL in Red Zone defense). These areas become very important in the playoffs, so the Bills should certainly want to exploit these weaknesses.

Houston’s pass rush has been a major concern for them all year. They ranked 31st in the NFL in QB pressures and tied for 26th in the NFL in sacks. However, an X-factor for the Texans will be star defensive end J.J. Watt, who will return from injury and play on Saturday. Watt has four sacks in just eight games this season.

The Bills’ biggest strength on offense is rushing the ball, which brings more bad news for Houston’s defense. They have trouble stopping the run having ranked 25th in rushing YPG, 27th in rushing yards allowed per carry, and 26th in QB rushing yards allowed.

Houston’s defense has been very poor overall this year, and is perhaps the biggest factor in this game. If Buffalo capitalizes on Houston’s troubles, this could be a blowout. Does this change with J.J. Watt entering the fold? Possibly, but given the Texans’ struggles in all facets of the defensive game, it’s unlikely that one player drastically turns the tide, especially with Watt returning from a torn pectoral muscle.