Wild-card previews:
Keys to victory, Danny Sheridan’s odds for the opening round of NFL playoff games.
❚ Bills-Texans, 10
❚ Titans-Patriots, 11
❚ Vikings-Saints, 12
❚ Seahawks-Eagles 13
Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: ESPN/ABC
Danny Sheridan’s line: Texans by 3
Bills’ keys to victory: They have two disruptive defensive tackles, rookie Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips, who have to shut down the run and pressure the quarterback. Houston will be without its speedy No. 2 wide receiver, Will Fuller, which means Buffalo can roll coverage to help CB Tre’Davious White lock down WR DeAndre Hopkins. If the Bills can keep the score low, it could frustrate the Texans, who are used to being in shootouts. QB Josh Allen has to use his dual-threat abilities to beat the defense with his legs and find WRs John Brown and Cole Beasley through the air.
Texans’ keys to victory: Protect QB Deshaun Watson, who was sacked 44 times in the regular season. LT Laremy Tunsil sat out Week 17 and will have to be ready to take the best from the Bills’ pass rush. What also helps keep Watson upright is the production of RB Carlos Hyde, who had his first 1,000-yard season. WRs Kenny Stills and DeAndre Carter have to make up for WR Will Fuller’s absence. DE JJ Watt is expected to return from a torn pectoral injury and needs to bolster the anemic pass rush.
Matchup to watch: Bills CB Tre’Davious White vs. Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins. The AllPro receiver produced five 100yard games during the season. He needs a big game against the Pro Bowl corner, who had 17 pass breakups and six interceptions.
Who wins? Buffalo was 6-2 on the road, and the Texans were only 5-3 at home. The Bills’ opportunistic defense can shut down the run and suppress the passing game.
Bills, 19-13