Around the NFL
November 18, 2025
Rookie could shine against beleaguered Buffalo defense
Woody Marks looks like a key player this week. Buffalo has been awfully soft against the run, as demonstrated most recently by Sean Tucker. (And while Tucker starred in that game, Tampa Bay’s other back, Rachaad White, also averaged over 5 yards per carry.)
Marks has taken control of the backfield in Houston. They came to that conclusion a few weeks ago, making him more of a full-time back (with Nick Chubb relegated to a change-of-pace role). Marks is their guy now.
Admittedly, he’s not a standout. He carried only 18 times for 44 yards on Sunday against Tennessee, which also has a lesser run defense. But Marks ran for 62-plus yards in two other recent games (against San Francisco and Jacksonville). So he potentially could ignite on Thursday night.
The Bills have been remarkably awful against the run. Only the Bengals have allowed more rushing yards. And Buffalo has allowed a league-high 17 rushing touchdowns, more than even Cincinnati.
Marks also has some chops as a receiver. I believe he caught more passes than any running back in the history of college football, and he’s averaged 2 in his last seven games, with a couple touchdowns.
A modest running back to be sure, but a guy to pencil into lineups this week, if you’ve got the opportunity.
Buffalo is giving up 121 rushing yards per week against running backs, and at 5.4 per attempt.
—Ian Allan
