The Houston Texans have quietly found a spark with Davis Mills under center, while the Buffalo Bills ride into this matchup behind Josh Allen’s historic, all-time fantasy eruption. Vegas expects fireworks, and so should fantasy managers. With two offenses capable of pushing the pace, this matchup has sneaky shootout potential and plenty of fantasy-friendly roles on both sides.
Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Confidence Rating |
| Josh Allen | BUF | Start | 10/10 |
| James Cook | BUF | Start | 8/10 |
| Tyrell Shavers | BUF | Flex | 6.5/10 |
| Khalil Shakir | BUF | Flex | 6/10 |
| Dawson Knox | BUF | Flex | 5.5/10 |
| Davis Mills | HOU | Start | 7/10 |
| Nico Collins | HOU | Start | 8.5/10 |
| Dalton Schultz | HOU | Start | 7/10 |
| Woody Marks | HOU | Flex | 6/10 |
| Jayden Higgins | HOU | Sleeper | 5.5/10 |
MATCHUP BREAKDOWN & PICKS: HOUSTON TEXANS — START ’EM
Start: Davis Mills
Mills has been shockingly steady since taking over for CJ Stroud, throwing 3 TDs across the last two weeks and giving this offense real rhythm. Against a Bills defense that has been susceptible to intermediate passing, Mills is a 230+ yard, 1–2 TD candidate. Strong start in deep formats and a viable plug-and-play for struggling managers.
Start: Nico Collins
Mills has shown zero hesitation throwing to Collins, who logged a TD last week and remains the clear alpha in the passing game. Expect 6–7 catches, 80 yards, and real touchdown upside as Houston chases points.
Start: Dalton Schultz
Schultz was pacing for a 6-50 line last week before the game flow shifted. Mills trusts him in the short and intermediate areas, and he becomes a top-12 TE if he finds the end zone.
Flex: Woody Marks
Marks is the lead back right now and offers burst and breakaway ability. He’s a boom-or-bust FLEX, but he only needs one crease to pay off. Give him the nod if you’re looking for a home-run play.
Sleeper: Jayden Higgins
Higgins saw 7 targets, cementing himself as the WR2 in this offense. With Buffalo likely forcing Houston into catch-up mode, he’s a sneaky bet to convert volume this week. Great deep-league stash or desperation FLEX.
Mills pinpoints Jayden Higgins on doorstep of end zone for 23 yards via HoustonTexans.com
BUFFALO BILLS — START ’EM
Start: Josh Allen
Allen is coming off the greatest fantasy performance in history, and the scary part is that this matchup sets up just as well. Expect 2+ passing TDs, rushing involvement, and a top-3 QB finish. Zero hesitation, you’re starting him everywhere.
Start: James Cook
Cook continues to carve out value as a pass-game weapon, hauling in a receiving TD last week. Even with Allen stealing red-zone carries, Cook remains a reliable RB2 with RB1 upside.
💪 Flex: Tyrell Shavers
Shavers capitalized with Coleman sidelined, delivering a breakout performance. On a short week and with Josh Allen scorching hot, he deserves another FLEX look.
Bills Announce Khalil Shakir Status Update Before Texans Game Via Athlonsports.com
Flex: Khalil Shakir & Dawson Knox
Predicting which Bills pass catcher pops are impossible when Allen distributes so freely. Both are viable FLEX options, you’re playing the “hope Allen calls your number” game, and that’s not a bad game to play right now
Final Takeaway
This matchup sets up as a fantasy-friendly shootout where Josh Allen remains an auto-start anchor, but the real value may come from Houston’s emerging playmakers. Davis Mills, Nico Collins, and Dalton Schultz all carry legitimate upside as the Texans lean on their passing game, while James Cook and Buffalo’s rotating pass catchers offer solid FLEX floors. If you’re looking for breakout potential or bye-week reinforcements, this game delivers more hidden gems than expected.
