Criminally underrated Bills defender could introduce himself to the national media with huge performance against Texans

Through the first four weeks of the regular season, the biggest strength for the Buffalo Bills (outside Josh Allen, of course) has been their pass defense. The corners in particular have been locking it down, and Christian Benford, a former sixth-round draft pick, deserves far more national recognition than he has been getting. Benford is elite. Yeah, I said it.

The numbers back it up.

Benford has been everywhere through four weeks, acting as a key part of a defense that has shut down Marvin Harrison Jr., the duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the Jaguars receiving group of Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley, and former teammate Gabriel Davis. When the ball is thrown his way, he's been extraordinary, earning the lowest passer rating allowed in the NFL.

There have only been four cornerbacks in the NFL this season to not allow a 15+ yard reception: Seahawks' Riq Woolen, Ravens' Marlon Humphrey, Patriots' Christian Gonzalez, and Benford.

From sixth-round pick to certified stud, Benford is entering the elite tier at the position.

Sunday will pose a special type of problem for Benford, as the Houston Texans have one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL. Nico Collins is the most underrated WR1 in the league, Tank Dell is explosive and shifty in space, and they have some guy named Stefon Diggs too. The Texans have averaged the third-most passing yards per game this season at 257.8.

For Benford and the secondary, they'll be looking to continue their hot streak.

The secondary continues to be banged up. Nickel Taron Johnson isn't back from his forearm injury, and safety Taylor Rapp looks like he'll miss the game while in the concussion protocol. Benford and running mate Rasul Douglas are going to have their hands full on the outside.

The Bills have given up the sixth-fewest passing yards per game this season at only 161.0. Sunday will pose their biggest challenge yet.

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