Bills defeat Texans 36-31 in season-opening showdown

Josh Allen threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with 1:36 left, giving the Buffalo Bills a 36-31 win over the Houston Texans in the season opener on Sunday. Allen finished with 334 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing scores, securing his first victory in Houston after four previous losses at the venue.

The Texans briefly led 31-30 before the decisive play, and a failed two-point conversion left the score unchanged. Earlier, Houston defensive back Kamari Lassiter intercepted a pass from Allen in the end zone but could not secure the ball. In the final seconds, Buffalo defensive end Greg Rousseau recorded his second strip sack of the day, bringing down Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud at the Buffalo 28-yard line; teammate Terrel Bernard recovered the fumble to preserve the win.

Buffalo’s newly acquired wide receiver DJ Moore caught five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in his debut, while teammate Dalton Kincaid recorded five receptions for 130 yards. Head coach Joe Brady earned his first win after being promoted from offensive coordinator following Sean McDermott’s dismissal.

Houston’s recent addition David Montgomery scored three touchdowns, including a 7-yard reception that gave the Texans a 28-27 lead early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns but also lost two fumbles. Field goals by Tyler Bass (33 yards) and Kaʻimi Fairbairn (58 yards) kept the contest close, with each team exchanging leads throughout the game.

Both teams will host upcoming games next week, with Buffalo facing Detroit and Houston taking on Cincinnati.