Head Coach DeMeco Ryans also knows that Allen can hurt defenses with his excellent running ability. Allen, who is solidly built, is fearless when he sets out. Defenses always have to be wary of that part of his game.

“He always has that explosive ability,” Ryans said this week. “Josh is a very big (6-5, 237) player (and) a tough runner, so if they have quarterback runs designed, whether it’s sneak or zone-read plays, he can drop yards forward because he is a physical player.

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

For the past four years, Diggs has been Allen’s favorite 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 great receivers who have helped provide more options for Allen, along with receivers Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman.

Shakir, who has 18 catches and two touchdowns, is one of six Bills with touchdown receptions. He is suffering from an ankle injury and has been ruled out of the match.

“Shakir is a shifty player, but he is physical (and) finishes the right way,” Ryans said. “When their playmakers get the ball in their hands, they are tough guys to bring down. They run with a physical attitude.”

It’s no secret that Ryans isn’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 39 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.

Not a single player in the team’s front seven had a sack against the Jaguars. The Texans didn’t force any turnovers. Of course, it would behoove the defense to get a takeaway or two or three to have the best chance of beating the Bills.

“It’s really great from Allen, no interceptions, just playing clean football,” Ryans said. “He gets rid of the ball pretty quickly, and he gets the ball to his playmakers at the rim. They’re good at managing the play. They manage the football well (and) throw screen passes to keep them out.” Every tough situation is what we talk about every week, which is attacking the football. If he leaves one, we have to use it.”