Oilers Come Out Into Cold : AFC playoffs: Houston is optimistic even though it hasn’t won in Buffalo since 1976.

Buffalo in January.

That doesn’t exactly conjure up images likely to trigger a stampede to the nearest travel bureau. We’re not talking tourist mecca here.

Especially if those tourists are part of the Houston Oilers’ traveling party. The Oilers haven’t enjoyed a trip to this city in any month of any year since 1976. That’s the last time they beat the Bills in Buffalo, going 0-4 since.

So why is there so much optimism and enthusiasm this January in the Houston camp as the Oilers come to Buffalo to face the Bills today in an American Football Conference wild-card game beginning at 9:30 a.m. PST?

And why is there so much pessimism in Buffalo that 13,000 seats remained unsold for the game as of Friday? The Bills have sold out 22 consecutive games at Rich Stadium (capacity 80,290) and have never failed to sell out a playoff game.

What do the Oilers (10-6) have going for them that the Bills (11-5) don’t?

--Momentum. The teams met a week ago in Houston, with the Oilers winning, 27-3.

--A proven quarterback. Buffalo lost Jim Kelly in that game a week ago while Houston got Warren Moon back.

--Health. The Oilers are relatively injury free for the first postseason in a while, while the Bills, who have taken advantage of their good health the last two seasons by reaching the Super Bowl, are hurting at several crucial positions.

--A favorable matchup. Houston’s run-and-shoot game plan enabled the Oilers to wind up first in the NFL in passing offense. They will be facing a defense that was 20th in the 28-team league in passing yards given up.

Kelly, one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, is out of today’s game because of a strained ligament in his right knee, the result of a sack by Houston last week. Oiler lineman Lee Williams, all 6 feet 6 and 271 pounds of him, landed on top of Kelly, causing the injury. Frank Reich will start for Buffalo.

Moon, on the other hand, returned last week, making his first appearance since breaking his arm in mid-November against the Minnesota Vikings. Moon completed six of 13 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in a brief appearance against the Bills. Cody Carlson has filled in during the absence of Moon, the leading passer in Oiler history.

Houston Coach Jack Pardee won’t say who will start today, but all signs point to Moon.

Bruce Smith, leader of the Buffalo defensive line, will play despite a cracked rib, but Bills’ linebacker Cornelius Bennett will sit out because of a hamstring pull. Questionable for Buffalo are cornerback Kirby Jackson (hamstring) and special-teams star Steve Tasker (knee).

The Oilers are expected to start defensive lineman Doug Smith (who has missed six games because of a hamstring injury), but receiver Webster Slaughter is questionable because of a hand injury.

Reich, a career backup, takes umbrage at those who question his ability to step in today.

“There was a point in my career where I had to prove myself to my teammates,” said Reich, an eight-year veteran with a 4-2 career record as a starter. “Hopefully, I’m past that point. They are behind me. It’s nice to know I can have a bad series or two and not have everyone jump ship.”