The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans each enter today’s contest at 2-3 on the season. Even though they have the same record, you’d hardly know it based on the way many feel about both teams.
The Texans began the year 0-3, losing to the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. None of those losses was by more than 7 points. They have since won two consecutive games, beating the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys by 3 points each.
The Bills, on the other hand, began the year 0-2, losing in embarrassing fashion to the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers. They have since gone 2-1, dominating the Minnesota Vikings on the road before taking a sound beating at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. They returned home to defeat the Titans on a field goal as time expired last week.
While both teams have had their share of good and bad, most pundits feel that this is a game the Texans will win. Odds makers agree, as the Texans are a 10-point favorite on their home turf.
Can Buffalo win a second road game as a double-digit underdog? Will Houston extend its winning streak to three games? Although the loser of the game isn’t eliminated from playoff contention, a 2-4 record with a 1-3 conference record is much worse than a 3-3 record with a 2-2 conference record.
This is a big game, and this is your open thread for the first half. Go Bills!