EVERY-THING SPORTS
Here's an outside the box look at the Astros latest stretch
Aug 11, 2021, 2:41 pm
Fear not, Astros fans! Composite image by Jack Brame.
Here are the critical factors that helped Houston climb to top of AL West
Here in the city of Houston, we have a very culturally and socially diverse city. If you visit our sister site CultureMap, you'll know everything you need to know about the social scene around our fair city. When it comes to the food, Houston has very few rivals. CultureMap Food Editor Eric Sandler is the man when you're looking for guidance in that department. He's a tremendous follow on Instagram and Twitter.
If you're into food as much as most of us are, you undoubtedly have your pick of favorite places you want to eat. Whether it's a high class place, hole in the wall, chain restaurant, or a mom-and-pop shop, there's a variety of places to choose from. The variety of different types of food is vast as well. Because the city is so culturally and socially diverse, one can feed any type of craving on any given day. But there's always your favorite places that you end up eating at multiple times a month in some cases. You tend to enjoy the food, atmosphere, and the service.
Service may be the most important of all because we all want to be treated fairly. Food and atmosphere mean a lot too. The Astros remind me lately of your favorite restaurant shocking you with bad service, food, and atmosphere. They're 4-6 in their last 10 games and have had a penchant for playing down to the level of their competition this season. It's like asking for a steak to be cooked medium, and it comes out well done. Or asking for a sweet tea, but you get unsweet tea instead. What happens if you get there and the air conditioning isn't working? Talk about a disappointment!
The good thing is, we know we can't expect for our favorite restaurant to get everything right every time. That's why we'll go back time after time (watching game after game). We know what they're capable of because we frequent the establishment often (World Series champs in 2017, another appearance in 2019, four straight ALCS trips). So do you bail on your favorite eatery if they fall short once or twice (having a 5-10 combined record against the Tigers, Orioles, and Rockies)? No! You will still go back and order something, possibly the same thing you ordered last time when they messed it up, and give them another shot!
There's almost a third of the season left. The Astros are up in the AL West by two games, and behind the White Sox for best record in the AL by two games. The bullpen was shored up and some guys in the lineup are dealing with injuries. The starting pitching hasn't been consistent either, but we know the potential they have. Once healthy and roles are clearly defined, this team will hit its collective stride just in time for the playoffs. When that time comes, they'll be playing the league's best teams, and that's when they typically perform their best. Fear not, Astros fans! The restaurant is only having some staff issues, but will be back up and running like a well oiled machine in no time, serving up your favorite dishes!
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The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills both enter Week 5 with identical records, looking to continue their strong early-season performances. The Texans, led by breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud, come off a thrilling 24-20 win over Jacksonville, while the Bills are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 35-10 loss to Baltimore.
Bet MGM NFL Odds: Bills favored by 1
Against the Spread: Buffalo 2-2, Houston 0-3-1
Series Record: Texans lead 6-5
Last Meeting: Bills defeated Texans 40-0 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Key matchups and players to watch
Texans WR Nico Collins:
Collins has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, leading the league with 489 receiving yards. Coming off a career-best performance with 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, Collins will be a key target for Stroud against Buffalo’s strong secondary.
Bills DE A.J. Epenesa:
With Von Miller suspended, Epenesa will be expected to step up as Buffalo’s primary pass rusher. Epenesa has one sack through four starts and needs to take on a larger role with the absence of Miller, who leads the NFL's active players in sacks.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs vs. Former Team:
Diggs, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, will face his former team for the first time. He has been productive for Houston, logging 233 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season, as well as his first career rushing touchdown last week.
Key injuries
The Bills face multiple injury concerns, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp, all of whom are questionable. Buffalo's leading receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out. The Texans could see the return of WR Tank Dell after he missed last week, though RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play. LT Laremy Tunsil is questionable, which could impact their offensive game plan.
Update: Aaron Wilson has the latest on which Texans players are practicing on Friday.
#Texans Joe Mixon remains out of practice and not expected to play Sunday against #Bills Dameon Pierce returns, Tytus Howard sidelined @KPRC2 https://t.co/DR0IKzAC7C
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 4, 2024
Team stats and trends
Bills Offense:
Buffalo’s offense ranks second in scoring but has been inconsistent, as seen in their 10-point showing against the Ravens last week. Josh Allen, while turnover-prone in the past, is on a four-game streak without throwing an interception.
Texans Defense:
Houston’s defense has been a standout, ranking fifth overall and excelling against the pass, which could be key against the Bills' passing attack. However, their 40 penalties this season have been a major issue, and they'll need more discipline to keep pace with Buffalo.
Texans Offense:
Houston's passing game has been stellar, with Stroud leading the Texans to the 8th-best offense overall and the 3rd-ranked passing attack. This will be a critical factor against Buffalo’s defense, which ranks 6th against the pass.
Fantasy tip
Look for Nico Collins to continue his dominant streak as Stroud’s top target. Collins has over 80 receiving yards in six straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Final thoughts
This matchup pits a strong Texans passing game against a resilient Bills defense. Buffalo holds the slight edge in the spread, and with both teams vying for a crucial win, this should be a hard-fought contest.
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ChatGPT contributed to this content.