Texans Beat Bills, 23-17

Sometimes one game means more than just one game.

Getting crushed by the 0-2 New York Giants has a way of giving fans amnesia and causing them to forget the Texans' 2-0 start. The Texans still lead their division, but their 2-0 start feels like a distant memory and a little like fool's gold considering the competition over those two games.

The Bills will also look to circle the wagons after they were outplayed in a home loss to San Diego after starting off as a surprise 2-0 team.

Once again, while it's only one game, the difference between starting the season at 3-1 compared to 2-2 is massive. I think 9-7 in the weaker AFC will earn a spot into the playoffs; the winner of today's game will only need to go 6-6 over their remaining schedule to reach nine wins.

While going at least 6-6 wouldn't be a guarantee, it's far more obtainable than having to finish the stretch with a winning record of 7-5, which will be the situation facing the loser of this game. Considering who the quarterbacks are for both teams, going 7-5 to reach 9-7 would be a daunting task.

The key to winning this game and avoiding that situation is pretty obvious: The winning team will be the team that runs the ball better and stops the run on defense.

When the Texans are on offense, it pretty much comes down to a "will he or won't he" with the participation of star running back Arian Foster, who is dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. Across the line from Foster or Alfred Blue will be a great group of up-the-gut defenders for Buffalo led by defensive tackle Kyle Williams.

On the other side of the ball, the Texans' inability to stop the run has been a glaring weakness this season. The Texans allowed 5.7 yards per carry in Week 1 to the Redskins and then 176 yards to Rashad Jennings of the Giants last week.

The Texans currently rank 25th in rushing yards allowed per game and 30th in yards per rush allowed.

If Foster is able to give the team 15-20 carries, and the Texans' run defense performs well, they'll win. If neither happens, they'll lose; the keys to this game are quite simple.

Neither Ryan Fitzpatrick or EJ Manuel is capable of carrying their team, so the effectiveness of the running game will be crucial to the success or failure of both teams.