Five matchups that will define NFL Week 13: Will J.J. Watt sack Bills' hopes?
Fresh off being named AFC Defensive Player of the Month, J.J. Watt has reminded the NFL that he remains the league's most disruptive player.
The Houston Texans defensive end has collected 9.5 sacks in his last five games (and an NFL-best 13.5 total) to put himself on pace for another 20-sack season. More importantly, his performance has led the charge in a four-game win streak that has put the once-dismissed Texans near the front of a crowded AFC wild-card race.
Entering Sunday's matchup, the Buffalo Bills are well aware of how Watt can single-handedly turn a game. In the Texans' win over the Bills last year, Watt racked up a stunning nine quarterback hits and batted a pass to himself for an interception he took 80 yards for a touchdown.
Now it's Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor's turn to see how he fares against the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Keeping Watt under control would have been a tough task for Buffalo with a full lineup, and now the Bills have ruled out starting right guard John Miller (ankle) and might be without starting right tackle Seantrel Henderson (doubtful with an illness).
Lining up guard Kraig Urbik and right tackle Jordan Mills against Watt could spell trouble for for the Bills, whose playoff hopes would take a serious hit with a loss Sunday. Then again, few combinations have worked in stopping Watt, whom Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman this week compared to Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White.
Here are four other matchups that will define Week 13:
- Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Seattle Seahawks' front seven
The Seahawks' defense has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season, but it also is yet to face a running back like Peterson.
The 30-year-old running back and NFL's leading rusher has been limited by little this season. Perhaps the most effective tactic in slowing Peterson has been building a big lead to force the Vikings to pass more than planned.
Seattle has been gashed by big pass plays but has remained relatively stout against the run this year, ranking fifth with 92.9 yards allowed per game. Keeping Minnesota under wraps would be a significant step in the Seahawks' late-season push for the playoffs.
A productive performance against Peterson might not be measured by the final stat line, however, but rather in how often the Seahawks can force the Vikings into third-and-long situations. Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been solid in his second season, but Minnesota has tried to keep him in manageable situations.
- Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown vs. Indianapolis Colts CB Vontae Davis
A motivated Brown might be one of the sights the Colts' secondary least wants to see.
The NFL's leading receiver was held in check by Richard Sherman and the Seahawks last week, as he chipped in just six catches for 51 yards. And though Pittsburgh racked up 456 yards passing in the loss, it's clear the offense is at its most comfortable running through Brown.
Indianapolis' defense staggers into the matchup looking to erase memories of Ben Roethlisberger's 522-yard, six-touchdown performance last season. The Colts' pass defense ranks 27th and has struggled against the likes of the Houston Texans' DeAndre Hopkins (11 catches for 169 yards) and the Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones (nine catches for 160 yards).
Davis was injured early in last year's matchup, and he'll be out to prove he can be the difference this time around. But even if the Colts contain Brown, they could have their hands full with Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton in the Steelers' downfield passing attack.
- Oakland Raiders WRs Amari Cooper vs. Kansas City Chiefs CBs Marcus Peters
The first meeting of two ahead-of-the-curve rookies could mark the beginning of a tantalizing rivalry.
Cooper and Peters might not square off against each other on every play, as Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith will figure prominently into the showdown. But both Oakland and Kansas City look to their young stars to make significant contributions and likely will do the same this week.
Cooper's emergence has been one of the most significant catalysts of a Raiders passing attack that ranks seventh in the NFL. Peters, an Oakland native, quickly made a name for himself this year as one of the league's best young playmakers and most confident cornerbacks.
Both rookies have shown significant lapses this season: Cooper has been unable to shake an issue with drops, and Peters' aggressiveness has been used against him on several big plays. How the two approach one another could provide a fascinating look into where each one stands right now.
- Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant vs. Washington Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland
The Cowboys don't have time to eulogize quarterback Tony Romo's lost season. With its signal-caller out once again with a broken collarbone, Dallas needs its other offensive star to bail the unit out.
Sidelined by injury and limited by the Cowboys' toothless play without Romo, Bryant's season has become more notable for the wide receiver's outbursts than his contributions on the field. But letting Bryant go up to win jump balls might be the best option for a passing game forced to rely on Matt Cassel at quarterback.
Breeland made a name for himself as a rookie last season with his work defending Bryant in the Redskins' overtime win over the Cowboys. One week after facing Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., he'll once again be counted on to provide close coverage on a top target.
Bryant might be able to beat Breeland on Monday night, but he'll face familiar concerns of Cassel's ability to get him the ball when he does get open.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
PHOTOS: Week 13 games ranked by watchability