Game Details:
- Matchup: Buffalo Bills (Away) vs. Houston Texans (Home)
- Date: Thursday, November 20
- Time: 8:15 PM EST
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- TV: Prime Video
- Point Spread: Bills -6
- Total (Over/Under): 43.5
Thursday Night Showdown: Banged-Up Division Champs Collide in Houston
A marquee Thursday Night Football matchup features a clash between two reigning division champions as the Buffalo Bills travel to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans. While the Bills enter as 6-point road favorites, both teams are navigating significant injuries on a short week, setting the stage for a gritty, hard-fought contest.
Can the Bills Overcome Their Injuries?
The Buffalo Bills, led by reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, are perennial contenders for a reason. Allen’s dynamic playmaking ability makes them a threat to win any game. However, the Bills limp into Houston with a lengthy injury report that could impact their explosive offense.
Recent reports from this week indicate that wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Curtis Samuel are both unlikely to play against the Texans. Their absence would put immense pressure on Stefon Diggs and force the Bills to rely on less-proven pass-catchers. On a short week, where recovery time is minimal, Buffalo’s depth will be severely tested. Fan chatter suggests that Allen can get frustrated when pressured, and facing a formidable Texans pass rush without his full complement of weapons could be a recipe for a long night for the Buffalo offense.
Texans Look to Defend Home Turf
The Houston Texans have proven they are a force to be reckoned with, capturing a division title and establishing themselves as a new power in the AFC. Their success, however, has not come without adversity. The Texans have battled injuries all season, with key players like wide receiver Nico Collins and quarterback C.J. Stroud appearing on recent injury reports.
While the severity of Stroud’s issue remains a crucial storyline to watch, the Texans have shown resilience all year. Their greatest advantage in this matchup lies with their defense. The pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will be tasked with disrupting Allen and forcing him into mistakes. If Houston’s front seven can win the battle in the trenches and get to the MVP, it could neutralize Buffalo’s biggest strength and keep the game close.
Prediction
This game is defined by injuries. The Bills are the rightful favorites due to Josh Allen, but being on the road on a short week without two key receivers is a major disadvantage. The 6-point spread feels too generous for a Buffalo team that may struggle to move the ball as fluidly as usual.
The Texans are a well-coached team with a home-field advantage and a defense built to rattle elite quarterbacks. Expect them to keep this game competitive from start to finish. With offensive firepower hampered on both sides, points could be at a premium, making the under an attractive play. The Bills may eke out a win, but the Texans will make them earn it and are a strong bet to cover the spread.
Prediction: Texans cover the +6 spread.Score Prediction: Bills 23, Texans 20
Sources:
Buffalo Bills Injury Report | Buffalo Bills – buffalobills.com
Buffalo Bills injury report: Three out vs Carolina Panthers | Buffalo …
Buffalo Bills Injury Status – ESPN
Bills Injury Report : r/Texans
Buffalo Bills injury report shows Shaq Thompson to miss Chiefs game
Wild Card Playoffs: New England Patriots – Buffalo Bills Injury Report
Buffalo Bills injury report has Mecole Hardman, Curtis Samuel listed
Buffalo Bills Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Buccaneers-Bills Injury Report Nov.12: Reddick, Bredeson Did Not …
The Bills injury report each week is insane