Predicting every game of the 2020 NFL Playoffs

AFC Wild Card: Buffalo Bills (5) at Houston Texans (4)

It’s been a long and winding season for both of these clubs. While the Houston Texans have had more exciting wins on their way to 11-5, the Bills have ridden their defense to a similarly impressive 10-6 finish. Now, it comes down to who can get the job done in the playoffs.

While I’ve liked what the Buffalo defense has done this year, I don’t know if they’re ready to slow down a Deshaun Watson-led offense. The Texans have depended on their dynamic quarterback and his top target, DeAndre Hopkins all year long. That should be the case again in the first round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs.

So what this one comes down to is the Bills offense? Can Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and their band of unheralded receivers find the end zone early and often enough to stay alive against the Texans? Honestly, I don’t think so. Allen has struggled to score in bunches, which will put the Bills at a disadvantage — even with their defense trying to slow Watson and Co.

The Texans have won four of their last five matchups with the Bills. I’d expect them to make that five out of the last six during the Wild Card round, as Houston simply brings too much offensive firepower for Buffalo to keep up on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Texans win 27-23