The Buffalo Bills opened the 2026 NFL season with a thrilling 36-31 road victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Reliant Stadium
Josh Allen delivers four touchdowns
Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. His biggest moment came late in the fourth quarter. Trailing 31-30, Allen led a 96-yard drive and connected with Joshua Palmer on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 1:36 remaining.
Defense forces key turnovers
The Bills’ defense sealed the win by forcing and recovering four fumbles. Greg Rousseau strip-sacked C.J. Stroud twice with the final recovery by Terrel Bernard ending Houston’s last chance with seconds left. Both teams fumbled twice but Buffalo recovered every one.
David Montgomery scored three touchdowns for the Texans (two rushing, one receiving). Stroud passed for 274 yards and two scores but lost two fumbles. Tyler Bass kicked three field goals for Buffalo including a 46-yarder that opened the scoring.
The game featured multiple lead changes. Buffalo built a 24-21 halftime edge behind Allen’s dual-threat play and a 43-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Moore. Houston briefly took the lead in the fourth before Allen’s late heroics.
This marked the Bills’ first win in Houston since 2006 and the first victory for new head coach Joe Brady. The Texans fell to 0-1 after snapping a six-game home winning streak against Buffalo.
Buffalo improves to 1-0 and hosts the Detroit Lions next, while Houston prepares for the Cincinnati Bengals.
