The Buffalo Bills opened their 2026 season with a statement win, holding off the Houston Texans 36-31 in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds.
Josh Allen Takes Over
Josh Allen looked every bit like one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. He saved his biggest moment for the fourth quarter, leading a 96-yard drive that ended with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with just 1:36 remaining.
Dalton Kincaid also had a monster afternoon with five catches for 130 yards, while DJ Moore made an immediate impact in his Bills debut with five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Texans Keep Fighting
Houston refused to go away. C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery scored three touchdowns in his Texans debut. Houston repeatedly answered Buffalo’s big plays and even took a 31-30 lead on Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 58-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo Makes The Final Play
After Palmer’s touchdown put Buffalo ahead, Houston still had a chance to steal the game. But Greg Rousseau came up with the defining play, sacking Stroud and forcing a fumble with seconds remaining. Terrel Bernard recovered, allowing Buffalo to kneel out the clock.
The Bills not only opened the season 1-0, but also picked up their first victory in Houston since 2006. It was an impressive road win that showed Buffalo can win a shootout when its offense needs to deliver late.
