Stefon Diggs was quiet throughout the week leading up to Week 5’s showdown against the Buffalo Bills.
He never put the spotlight on himself, stating that he wouldn’t feel any extra emotions when taking on his old team.
But when Ka’imi Fairbirn’s game-winning 59-yard field goal cleared the uprights as time expired Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium, Diggs finally let his emotions tell the story.
“Honestly, it meant a lot to me,” Diggs said in front of dozens of reporters from both Houston and Buffalo following the Texans’ 23-20 win. “I held it in all week energy-wise. I tried not to bring it up too much. I had an interview earlier in the week where I just tried to keep it professional, but in the back of my mind it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.”
https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1843038228804506109/video/1
Sunday marked the first matchup between Houston and Buffalo since the two sides worked out a trade to send Diggs to Texas from Western New York. Even though he never requested a trade, both sides figured after last season’s playoff exit that change was needed.
Before hauling in touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud, Diggs became one of the league’s top targets while serving as Josh Allen’s go-to weapon. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned All-Pro status in 2020.
While Diggs didn’t find the end zone, he served as the difference-maker in the passing game for Stroud after Nico Collins left with a hamstring injury in the first quarter, catching six passes for a team-leading 82 yards.
Two catches were for first-down conversions, including one that set up a 47-yard field goal for Fairbairn in the third quarter.
Stefon Diggs vs. Buffalo:
6 catches, 82 yardsEvery Bills WR combined vs. Houston:
3 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD https://t.co/U6xE2uNrBw pic.twitter.com/rMfiSBmve4— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 7, 2024
“He made some really big catches on third down to keep drives moving,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Play after play, Diggs stepped up and made plays. So I’m happy for him that we were able to get this win for him.”
Diggs, who is playing for a new contract after the Texans voided the final three years of his previous deal, told his teammates that Buffalo would be a “measuring stick” on where they stand among AFC contenders.
Entering Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the only undefeated roster in the conference at 4-0. Houston sits at 4-1 and could be viewed as the second-best roster in the AFC.
“If you want to be a good team, beat a good team because that’s a good team,” Diggs said of playing Buffalo. “They’re real disciplined, well-coached, and there are hell of players over there.”
The highest-graded Texans in Week 5 vs the Bills:
🥇 C.J. Stroud – 80.6
🥈 Danielle Hunter – 76.4
🥉 Stefon Diggs – 75.2
🏅 Henry To'oTo'o – 75.1
🏅 Derek Stingley Jr. – 74.9(min. 25 snaps) pic.twitter.com/qqDwCtMaFH
— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) October 7, 2024
Without Diggs, Josh Allen struggled to find any consistent passing. He finished 9-of-30 for a season-low 131 yards with one touchdown and a passer rating of 56.
No receiver for Buffalo totaled more than 49 yards on the afternoon.
“I understand he’s on their team,” Allen said after his interaction with Diggs. “He’s a great player, made some good plays for them and he was on the winning team.”
Diggs told reporters postgame that despite the victory, the celebration time is short-lived. Houston’s only a game behind the Chiefs and one above Buffalo in the AFC standings.
All three teams are in prime position to return to the postseason once more, so rocky performances that come down to game-winning kicks can’t be the backbone of the roster for the next 13 games.
But for a brief moment, Diggs can exhale with a sigh of gratitude to remain standing on the side of victory. Every win counts, but some signify more than what appears in the standings.
What @stefondiggs said 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/hE4ffp4E84
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 7, 2024
“He just wanted to play well against his former team,” Stroud said. “He did a good job by just letting his emotions affect his play, and he played great. Just happy that he’s happy with this dub.”
The Texans will travel to face the New England Patriots in Week 6. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
