Buffalo Bills DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook suffered through the worst fantasy performance of his season in Week 4 but should bounce back against the Houston Texans. Cook was removed from the game due to a negative game script against the Ravens. He logged just 10 touches for under 50 yards. The game script on Sunday versus Houston should fare better for Cook's fantasy production. However, the Texans' defense is stronger against the run than the pass, and they've allowed the fewest passing yards to opposing running backs. The Bills shouldn't have many issues moving the football on offense, setting up more high-value opportunities for the lead running back. Start Cook across the board.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has ping-ponged between being the top fantasy football quarterback and an unstartable asset (QB28) over the past four weeks. Blowouts have been to blame. The Bills won two games by an average of 29 points and then lost in Week 4 by 25. A (hopefully) more competitive tilt against the Houston Texans will keep Allen aggressive and throwing for four quarters. Buffalo's signal caller is on the injury report with a left hand injury but he's practicing in full this week. He could be without his top wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Through all the tribulations, Allen is the QB4 on the season and should be started in all leagues in Week 5.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) missed practice on Thursday for a second consecutive day, which is bad news for his potential availability against the Houston Texans. Shakir suffered an ankle injury in the Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and while it didn't seem like a major ailment at the time, it could hold him out of Week 5. Fantasy managers with Shakir should see what his practice status and official game status are on Friday before making any final decisions, but it's time to look for a backup plan. If Shakir cannot suit up, tight end Dalton Kincaid should act as Josh Allen's No. 1 target. Wideouts Mack Hollins, Keon Coleman, and Curtis Samuel would become fringe flex plays in that case, but none are sure things this week despite a favorable matchup against the Texans' secondary.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old did not show any signs of a previous injury during their Week 4 match against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week. Shakir has operated as the No.1 option for Josh Allen in the Buffalo passing attack, as he has averaged 4.5 receptions with 57.5 yards per game. He caught a season-high six passes with 72 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Shakir were to miss Sunday's game, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideouts Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins could see an increase in targets.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (back) was sore after the team's Week 4 game against Baltimore but should be fine for Week 5 against Houston, according to head coach Sean McDermott. It looks like Allen avoided a serious injury and is on track to face Houston in Week 5, but it will be worth monitoring the injury report this week. Allen is the QB4 on the season, averaging 19.8 fantasy points per game. Allen was 16 of 29 for 180 yards and no touchdown passes against Baltimore in his toughest outing of the season. He will try to bounce back against the Texans this week.