Containing Josh Allen and the Bills' running game is a tall order

Head coach DeMeco Ryans also knows that Allen can hurt his defense with his outstanding running ability. Built like a tight end, Allen is fearless when he takes off. Defenses must always be wary of this part of his game.

“He always has that explosive ability,” Ryans said this week. “Josh is a really big (6-5, 237) player (and) a tough runner. So when they've designed quarterback runs, whether it's a sneak or zone read plays, he's able to drop a lot of yards forward because he's such a physical player.

“This is a tough game. I really respect what he’s done in this league, how he’s developed as a quarterback and how he’s led them and kept them as a winning team every time they step on the field.”

For the past four years, Diggs has been Allen's preferred receiver. Four consecutive 100-catch, 1,000-yard seasons. They traded him to the Texans, and now the Bills have more balance in their receiving game. Tight end Dalton Kincaid and running back James Cook are outstanding receivers who, along with receivers Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman, have helped Allen have more options.

Shakir, who has 18 catches and two touchdowns, is one of six Bills to have touchdown receptions. He is battling an ankle injury and has been ruled out of the game.

“Shakir is a shifty player, but he is physical (and) finishes the ball well,” Ryans said. “When their playmakers get their hands on the ball, they are difficult to beat. They run with a physical attitude.”

It's no secret that Ryans wasn't happy with the Texans' interior defense. Opponents have averaged more than 5 yards per carry up the middle. Opponents have three explosive runs, including a 58-yarder from Jacksonville's Tank Digsby and a 39-yarder from Minnesota's Aaron Jones.

The Texans haven't had an explosive run in four games. Tank Dell came closest with runs of 18 and 17 yards. Joe Mixon (16) and Cam Akers (15) have the team's other longest runs.

None of the team's first seven players recorded a sack against the Jaguars. The Texans did not force a turnover. Of course, it would be up to the defense to get a takeaway or two or three to have the best chance of defeating the Bills.

“It's really great from (Allen), no interceptions, just playing clean football,” Ryans said. “He releases the ball pretty quickly and gets the ball to his playmakers on the edge. They manage the game well. They run the football well (and throw screen passes to keep them out). Every difficult situation is what we talk about every week: We have to take advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of it.