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WHYNFL GAME CENTER

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

Final · Kickoff

2026 Regular season · Week 1 · Reliant Stadium

Dated schedule recordUpdated

Final status and scores are corroborated with end-of-game records. Times are normalized by WHYNFL.

Buffalo Bills36Away
Houston Texans31Home

Score replay

12 scoring plays

Step through every scoring play in order. Each clock is the game clock at that score. This replays the scoreboard, not game footage.

After scoring play 12: Buffalo Bills 36, Houston Texans 31.

Q4 1:36 · BUF scores

Touchdown · Joshua Palmer 34 Yd pass from Josh Allen (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)

Scoring play 12 of 12

Lead after each scoring play, in order. The spacing is by play, not by time.

Scoring plays

  1. Q1 7:28BUFField Goal · Tyler Bass 46 Yd Field GoalBUF 3 – HOU 0
  2. Q1 0:32HOUTouchdown · David Montgomery 1 Yd Rush (Ka'imi Fairbairn Kick)BUF 3 – HOU 7
  3. Q2 12:46BUFTouchdown · Josh Allen 21 Yd Rush (Tyler Bass Kick)BUF 10 – HOU 7
  4. Q2 4:48HOUTouchdown · David Montgomery 18 Yd Rush (Ka'imi Fairbairn Kick)BUF 10 – HOU 14
  5. Q2 3:59BUFTouchdown · Josh Allen 1 Yd Rush (Tyler Bass Kick)BUF 17 – HOU 14
  6. Q2 1:29BUFTouchdown · DJ Moore 43 Yd pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass Kick)BUF 24 – HOU 14
  7. Q2 0:26HOUTouchdown · Nico Collins 12 Yd pass from C.J. Stroud (Ka'imi Fairbairn Kick)BUF 24 – HOU 21
  8. Q3 4:24BUFField Goal · Tyler Bass 34 Yd Field GoalBUF 27 – HOU 21
  9. Q4 13:34HOUTouchdown · David Montgomery 7 Yd pass from C.J. Stroud (Ka'imi Fairbairn Kick)BUF 27 – HOU 28
  10. Q4 10:31BUFField Goal · Tyler Bass 33 Yd Field GoalBUF 30 – HOU 28
  11. Q4 6:44HOUField Goal · Ka'imi Fairbairn 58 Yd Field GoalBUF 30 – HOU 31
  12. Q4 1:36BUFTouchdown · Joshua Palmer 34 Yd pass from Josh Allen (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)BUF 36 – HOU 31
Game summary

Bills beat Texans 36–31: Dalton Kincaid has 130 receiving yards

The Buffalo Bills beat the Houston Texans 36–31 on the road in 2026 Week 1. The Bills moved to 1–0 and the Texans to 0–1.

The Buffalo Bills led 24–21 at halftime. The Bills overcame a deficit of as many as 4 points. The lead changed hands 8 times. The go-ahead score came in the fourth quarter with 1:36 left: Joshua Palmer 34 Yd pass from Josh Allen (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed).

Josh Allen completed 20 of 29 passes for 334 yards and 2 touchdowns. C.J. Stroud completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns. David Montgomery ran 20 times for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dalton Kincaid caught 5 passes for 130 yards. Greg Rousseau had 2 sacks for Buffalo Bills.

The Buffalo Bills outgained the Houston Texans 409 yards to 381. Turnovers: BUF 0, HOU 2. Time of possession: BUF 23:43, HOU 36:17. Third downs: BUF 3-9, HOU 7-16.

Automated summary built from this game's box score and scoring plays. Updated .

Series Texans lead the series 8–6 after meeting No. 14 since 2002 Full series history

Box score

Updated
Final win probability

HOU 0% · BUF 100%

Model estimate, shown from HOU's side. Not a WHYNFL prediction or a betting recommendation.

Team statistics
StatisticBUFHOU
1st Downs2026
Passing 1st downs1311
Rushing 1st downs510
1st downs from penalties25
3rd down efficiency3-97-16
4th down efficiency0-12-2
Total Plays5273
Total Yards409381
Yards per Play7.95.2
Total Drives1211
Passing323257
Comp/Att20/2926/38
Yards per pass10.46.3
Interceptions thrown00
Sacks-Yards Lost2-113-17
Rushing86124
Rushing Attempts2132
Yards per rush4.13.9
Red Zone (Made-Att)1-34-5
Penalties10-857-106
Turnovers02
Fumbles lost02
Defensive / Special Teams TDs00
Possession23:4336:17

Buffalo Bills

Passing
BUF passing
PlayerC/ATTYDSAVGTDINTSACKSQBRRTG
Josh Allen20/2933411.5202-1180.1130.5
Rushing
BUF rushing
PlayerCARYDSAVGTDLONG
James Cook III13574.4012
Josh Allen6233.8221
Ray Davis133.003
Frank Gore Jr.133.003
Receiving
BUF receiving
PlayerRECYDSAVGTDLONGTGTS
Dalton Kincaid513026.00406
DJ Moore510020.01438
Khalil Shakir45012.50196
Joshua Palmer13434.01342
James Cook III3124.0064
Dawson Knox177.0071
Keon Coleman111.0011
Defense
BUF defensive
PlayerTOTSOLOSACKSTFLPDQB HTSTD
Terrel Bernard12601000
Dorian Williams9401000
C.J. Gardner-Johnson8600000
Cole Bishop7200000
Deone Walker6312010
Christian Benford5300000
Ed Oliver5201010
Michael Hoecht5100000
Greg Rousseau4422150
Javon Solomon4100000
Bradley Chubb4000020
Maxwell Hairston3200000
Kick returns
BUF kickReturns
PlayerNOYDSAVGLONGTD
Greg Dortch38227.3370
Ray Davis25125.5290
Punt returns
BUF puntReturns
PlayerNOYDSAVGLONGTD
Greg Dortch2105.0100
Kicking
BUF kicking
PlayerFGPCTLONGXPPTS
Tyler Bass3/3100.0463/312
Punting
BUF punting
PlayerNOYDSAVGTBIn 20LONG
Tommy Doman Jr.210954.50163

Houston Texans

Passing
HOU passing
PlayerC/ATTYDSAVGTDINTSACKSQBRRTG
C.J. Stroud26/382747.2203-1770.3106.7
Rushing
HOU rushing
PlayerCARYDSAVGTDLONG
David Montgomery20603.0218
Woody Marks9424.7012
C.J. Stroud2157.5015
Nico Collins177.007
Receiving
HOU receiving
PlayerRECYDSAVGTDLONGTGTS
Nico Collins77510.712510
Jaylin Noel25326.50352
Dalton Schultz4358.80188
Xavier Hutchinson33210.70206
Kayshon Boutte12121.00212
David Montgomery3196.3193
Marlin Klein11616.00161
Foster Moreau2157.5092
Jared Wayne11212.00121
Cade Stover1-2-2.00-21
Woody Marks1-2-2.00-21
Defense
HOU defensive
PlayerTOTSOLOSACKSTFLPDQB HTSTD
Azeez Al-Shaair8501000
Reed Blankenship7400000
Calen Bullock6500100
Jalen Pitre6400100
Derek Stingley Jr.4400000
Kamari Lassiter3101100
Will Anderson Jr.310.50010
Sheldon Rankins3000100
Tommy Togiai2100000
Henry To'oTo'o2100000
Jake Hansen2000000
Cade Stover2000000
Kick returns
HOU kickReturns
PlayerNOYDSAVGLONGTD
Woody Marks37826.0310
Jaylin Noel37023.3260
Tremon Smith25427.0280
Kicking
HOU kicking
PlayerFGPCTLONGXPPTS
Ka'imi Fairbairn1/1100.0584/47
Punting
HOU punting
PlayerNOYDSAVGTBIn 20LONG
Kai Kroeger420852.00259

Game notes

Officiating crew

Referee
Alex Moore
Umpire
Terry Killens Jr.
Down Judge
Dana McKenzie
Line Judge
Thomas Eaton
Field Judge
Mearl Robinson
Side Judge
Anthony Jeffries
Back Judge
Terrence Miles

First downs & scoring opportunities

UPDATED Updated Oct 4, 2026, 10:47 am EDT
BUF at HOU · Week 1 · Completed-game play record
StatisticBUFHOU
First downs (play record)2025
Third-down conversions3 / 9 (33.3%)7 / 16 (43.8%)
Fourth-down conversions0 / 1 (0.0%)2 / 2 (100.0%)
Touchdowns / inside-20 drives1 / 3 (33.3%)4 / 5 (80.0%)

Conversions count recorded successful and failed attempts; punts, field goals and nullified downs do not become attempts just because they occur on fourth or third down. First downs count the play record's total, including recorded penalty awards; these can differ from drive-summary counts. An incomplete play record withholds the affected count. Zero opportunities have no percentage.

Inside-20 counts drives where a recorded down starts closer than 20 yards from the opponent's goal line. Reaching only the 20-yard line is excluded. The numerator counts those drives ending in a touchdown for the possessing team, excluding opponent return touchdowns. This is not a count of every touchdown or an official league red-zone ranking.

Review play-by-play · Review drives

Drives & possession

UPDATED Updated Oct 4, 2026, 10:47 am EDT

BUF23:43Time of possession

HOU36:17Time of possession

Drive clocks account for the full game. Play counts use the recorded drive totals; they can differ from the number of events in play-by-play. Return touchdowns are identified separately from the possessing team's drive result.

Drives · 23 possessions

  1. #1 · BUF

    Turnover on downs

    Start
    Q1 15:00
    End
    Q1 11:15
    Starting field position
    BUF 34
    Plays
    7
    Possession time
    3:45

  2. #2 · HOU

    Fumble

    Start
    Q1 11:15
    End
    Q1 09:32
    Starting field position
    HOU 36
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    1:43

  3. #3 · BUF

    Field goal

    Start
    Q1 09:32
    End
    Q1 07:28
    Starting field position
    HOU 32
    Plays
    4
    Possession time
    2:04

  4. #4 · HOU

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q1 07:28
    End
    Q1 00:32
    Starting field position
    HOU 24
    Plays
    12
    Possession time
    6:56

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  5. #5 · BUF

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q1 00:32
    End
    Q2 12:46
    Starting field position
    BUF 38
    Plays
    6
    Possession time
    2:46

  6. #6 · HOU

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q2 12:46
    End
    Q2 04:48
    Starting field position
    HOU 25
    Plays
    13
    Possession time
    7:58

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  7. #7 · BUF

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q2 04:48
    End
    Q2 03:59
    Starting field position
    BUF 35
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    0:49

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  8. #8 · HOU

    Punt

    Start
    Q2 03:59
    End
    Q2 02:10
    Starting field position
    HOU 26
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    1:49

  9. #9 · BUF

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q2 02:10
    End
    Q2 01:29
    Starting field position
    BUF 4
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    0:41

  10. #10 · HOU

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q2 01:29
    End
    Q2 00:26
    Starting field position
    HOU 14
    Plays
    4
    Possession time
    1:03

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  11. #11 · BUF

    End of half

    Start
    Q2 00:26
    End
    Q2 00:00
    Starting field position
    BUF 17
    Plays
    2
    Possession time
    0:26

  12. #12 · HOU

    Punt

    Start
    Q3 15:00
    End
    Q3 13:10
    Starting field position
    HOU 34
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    1:50

  13. #13 · BUF

    Punt

    Start
    Q3 13:10
    End
    Q3 09:26
    Starting field position
    BUF 14
    Plays
    6
    Possession time
    3:44

  14. #14 · HOU

    Punt

    Start
    Q3 09:26
    End
    Q3 07:58
    Starting field position
    HOU 4
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    1:28

  15. #15 · BUF

    Field goal

    Start
    Q3 07:58
    End
    Q3 04:24
    Starting field position
    HOU 43
    Plays
    6
    Possession time
    3:34

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  16. #16 · HOU

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q3 04:24
    End
    Q4 13:34
    Starting field position
    HOU 28
    Plays
    13
    Possession time
    5:50

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  17. #17 · BUF

    Field goal

    Start
    Q4 13:34
    End
    Q4 10:31
    Starting field position
    BUF 34
    Plays
    7
    Possession time
    3:03

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  18. #18 · HOU

    Field goal

    Start
    Q4 10:31
    End
    Q4 06:44
    Starting field position
    HOU 35
    Plays
    7
    Possession time
    3:47

  19. #19 · BUF

    Punt

    Start
    Q4 06:44
    End
    Q4 05:39
    Starting field position
    BUF 20
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    1:05

  20. #20 · HOU

    Punt

    Start
    Q4 05:39
    End
    Q4 03:13
    Starting field position
    HOU 36
    Plays
    3
    Possession time
    2:26

  21. #21 · BUF

    Touchdown

    Start
    Q4 03:13
    End
    Q4 01:36
    Starting field position
    BUF 4
    Plays
    7
    Possession time
    1:37

  22. #22 · HOU

    Fumble

    Start
    Q4 01:36
    End
    Q4 00:09
    Starting field position
    HOU 29
    Plays
    10
    Possession time
    1:27

    Reached inside the opponent's 20-yard line (source definition).

  23. #23 · BUF

    End of game

    Start
    Q4 00:09
    End
    Q4 00:00
    Starting field position
    BUF 24
    Plays
    1
    Possession time
    0:09

Play-by-play

UPDATED Updated Oct 4, 2026, 10:47 am EDT

A dated record of this completed game. Plays follow source event order; clocks can be corrected. Field position and down/distance describe the start of the event. Missing details are omitted.

Scoring summary · 19 events

  1. Quarter 1 · 07:32

    BUF +3 · Field goal · made.

    BUF 3 – HOU 0

  2. Quarter 1 · 00:37

    HOU +6 · Run · 1 yard · touchdown.

    BUF 3 – HOU 6

  3. Quarter 1 · 00:32

    HOU +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 3 – HOU 7

  4. Quarter 2 · 12:57

    BUF +6 · Run · 21 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 9 – HOU 7

  5. Quarter 2 · 12:46

    BUF +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 10 – HOU 7

  6. Quarter 2 · 04:53

    HOU +6 · Run · 18 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 10 – HOU 13

  7. Quarter 2 · 04:48

    HOU +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 10 – HOU 14

  8. Quarter 2 · 04:02

    BUF +6 · Run · 1 yard · touchdown.

    BUF 16 – HOU 14

  9. Quarter 2 · 03:59

    BUF +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 17 – HOU 14

  10. Quarter 2 · 01:39

    BUF +6 · Pass · complete · 43 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 23 – HOU 14

  11. Quarter 2 · 01:29

    BUF +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 24 – HOU 14

  12. Quarter 2 · 00:31

    HOU +6 · Pass · complete · 12 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 24 – HOU 20

  13. Quarter 2 · 00:26

    HOU +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 24 – HOU 21

  14. Quarter 3 · 04:27

    BUF +3 · Field goal · made.

    BUF 27 – HOU 21

  15. Quarter 4 · 13:39

    HOU +6 · Pass · complete · 7 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 27 – HOU 27

  16. Quarter 4 · 13:34

    HOU +1 · Extra-point kick · good.

    BUF 27 – HOU 28

  17. Quarter 4 · 10:36

    BUF +3 · Field goal · made.

    BUF 30 – HOU 28

  18. Quarter 4 · 06:48

    HOU +3 · Field goal · made.

    BUF 30 – HOU 31

  19. Quarter 4 · 01:41

    BUF +6 · Pass · complete · 34 yards · touchdown.

    BUF 36 – HOU 31

Quarter 1 · 35 events

  1. 15:00 · HOU 35

    Game begins.

  2. 15:00 · HOU 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  3. 14:55 · 1st & 10 · BUF 34

    Run · 9 yards.

    Runner: J.Cook

  4. 14:21 · 2nd & 1 · BUF 43

    Pass · complete · 3 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Cook

  5. 13:55 · 1st & 10 · BUF 46

    Run · 11 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: J.Cook

  6. 13:18 · 1st & 10 · HOU 43

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: R.Davis

  7. 12:39 · 2nd & 7 · HOU 40

    Run · 4 yards.

    Runner: J.Allen

  8. 12:02 · 3rd & 3 · HOU 36

    Run · 2 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Runner: J.Cook

  9. 11:18 · 4th & 1 · HOU 34

    Run · -2 yards.

    Fourth down not converted

    Runner: J.Allen

  10. 11:15 · 1st & 10 · HOU 36

    Run · 1 yard.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  11. 10:36 · 2nd & 9 · HOU 37

    Penalty · HOU False Start 5 penalty yards · no play.

  12. 10:17 · 2nd & 14 · HOU 32

    Run · 2 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  13. 09:40 · 3rd & 12 · HOU 34

    Sack · -2 yards · fumble lost.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud

  14. 09:32 · 1st & 10 · HOU 32

    Run · 4 yards.

    Runner: J.Cook

  15. 08:56 · 2nd & 6 · HOU 28

    Sack · -6 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen

  16. 08:14 · 3rd & 12 · HOU 34

    Pass · complete · 11 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Coleman

  17. 07:42 · 4th & 1 · HOU 23

    Penalty · BUF Offensive Too Many Men on Field 5 penalty yards · no play.

  18. 07:32 · 4th & 6 · HOU 28

    Field goal · made.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 3 – HOU 0

  19. 07:28 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  20. 07:21 · 1st & 10 · HOU 24

    Run · 4 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  21. 06:43 · 2nd & 6 · HOU 28

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  22. 06:04 · 1st & 10 · HOU 37

    Run · 7 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  23. 05:24 · 2nd & 3 · HOU 44

    Pass · complete · 16 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: M.Klein

  24. 04:43 · 1st & 10 · BUF 40

    Run · 4 yards.

    Runner: W.Marks

  25. 04:03 · 2nd & 6 · BUF 36

    Run · 7 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: N.Collins

  26. 03:20 · 1st & 10 · BUF 29

    Run · 2 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  27. 02:37 · 2nd & 8 · BUF 27

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: K.Boutte

  28. 02:30 · 3rd & 8 · BUF 27

    Pass · complete · 25 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  29. 01:53 · 1st & 2 · BUF 2

    Run · 1 yard.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  30. 01:15 · 2nd & 1 · BUF 1

    Run · 0 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  31. 00:37 · 3rd & 1 · BUF 1

    Run · 1 yard · touchdown.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Runner: D.Montgomery · Touchdown scorer: D.Montgomery

    BUF 3 – HOU 6

  32. 00:32 · BUF 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

    BUF 3 – HOU 7

  33. 00:32 · HOU 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  34. 00:25 · 1st & 10 · BUF 38

    Pass · complete · 19 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  35. 00:00 · HOU 43

    Quarter ends.

Quarter 2 · 52 events

  1. 15:00 · 1st & 10 · HOU 43

    Penalty · BUF Ineligible Downfield Pass 5 penalty yards · no play.

  2. 14:52 · 1st & 15 · HOU 48

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  3. 14:48 · 2nd & 15 · HOU 48

    Pass · complete · 16 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  4. 14:07 · 1st & 10 · HOU 32

    Run · 7 yards.

    Runner: J.Cook

  5. 13:32 · 2nd & 3 · HOU 25

    Run · 4 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: J.Cook

  6. 12:57 · 1st & 10 · HOU 21

    Run · 21 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Runner: J.Allen · Touchdown scorer: J.Allen

    BUF 9 – HOU 7

  7. 12:46 · HOU 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 10 – HOU 7

  8. 12:46 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  9. 12:39 · 1st & 10 · HOU 25

    Pass · complete · 6 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: F.Moreau

  10. 11:56 · 2nd & 4 · HOU 31

    Run · 4 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: W.Marks

  11. 11:15 · 1st & 10 · HOU 35

    Penalty · BUF Defensive Holding 5 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  12. 10:51 · 1st & 10 · HOU 40

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  13. 10:47 · 2nd & 10 · HOU 40

    Pass · complete · -2 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: W.Marks

  14. 10:06 · 3rd & 12 · HOU 38

    Run · 15 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Runner: C.Stroud

  15. 09:18 · 1st & 10 · BUF 47

    Run · 6 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  16. 08:41 · 2nd & 4 · BUF 41

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  17. 08:01 · 3rd & 1 · BUF 38

    Run · 2 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  18. 07:21 · 1st & 10 · BUF 36

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  19. 07:21 · BUF 36

    Timeout · HOU.

  20. 07:16 · 2nd & 10 · BUF 36

    Run · 12 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: W.Marks

  21. 06:33 · 1st & 10 · BUF 24

    Pass · complete · -2 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: C.Stover

  22. 05:49 · 2nd & 12 · BUF 26

    Pass · complete · 3 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  23. 05:03 · 3rd & 9 · BUF 23

    Penalty · BUF Defensive Holding 5 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  24. 04:53 · 1st & 10 · BUF 18

    Run · 18 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Runner: D.Montgomery · Touchdown scorer: D.Montgomery

    BUF 10 – HOU 13

  25. 04:48 · BUF 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

    BUF 10 – HOU 14

  26. 04:48 · HOU 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  27. 04:48 · 1st & 10 · BUF 35

    Pass · complete · 18 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  28. 04:13 · 1st & 10 · HOU 47

    Penalty · HOU Defensive Pass Interference 46 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  29. 04:05 · 1st & 1 · HOU 1

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  30. 04:02 · 2nd & 1 · HOU 1

    Run · 1 yard · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Runner: J.Allen · Touchdown scorer: J.Allen

    BUF 16 – HOU 14

  31. 03:59 · HOU 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 17 – HOU 14

  32. 03:59 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  33. 03:51 · 1st & 10 · HOU 26

    Penalty · BUF Defensive Holding 5 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  34. 03:33 · 1st & 10 · HOU 31

    Run · 5 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  35. 03:05 · 2nd & 5 · HOU 36

    Pass · complete · 3 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Montgomery

  36. 02:26 · 3rd & 2 · HOU 39

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  37. 02:22 · 4th & 2 · HOU 39

    Punt.

    Punter: K.Kroeger

  38. 02:10 · 1st & 10 · BUF 4

    Pass · complete · 38 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  39. 02:00 · 1st & 10 · BUF 42

    Pass · complete · 15 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  40. 01:39 · 1st & 10 · HOU 43

    Pass · complete · 43 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore · Touchdown scorer: D.Moore

    BUF 23 – HOU 14

  41. 01:29 · HOU 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 24 – HOU 14

  42. 01:29 · BUF 35

    Kickoff · HOU Offensive Holding 10 penalty yards.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  43. 01:24 · 1st & 10 · HOU 14

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  44. 01:03 · 2nd & 1 · HOU 23

    Penalty · BUF Defensive Pass Interference 21 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  45. 00:58 · 1st & 10 · HOU 44

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  46. 00:40 · 2nd & 1 · BUF 47

    Pass · complete · 35 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: J.Noel

  47. 00:31 · 1st & 10 · BUF 12

    Pass · complete · 12 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins · Touchdown scorer: N.Collins

    BUF 24 – HOU 20

  48. 00:26 · BUF 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

    BUF 24 – HOU 21

  49. 00:26 · HOU 35

    Kickoff · BUF Offensive Holding 10 penalty yards.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  50. 00:18 · 1st & 10 · BUF 17

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  51. 00:10 · 2nd & 10 · BUF 17

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: F.Gore

  52. 00:00 · BUF 35

    Quarter ends.

Quarter 3 · 37 events

  1. 15:00 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  2. 14:55 · 1st & 10 · HOU 34

    Run · 5 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  3. 14:19 · 2nd & 5 · HOU 39

    Run · 0 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  4. 13:39 · 3rd & 5 · HOU 39

    Penalty · HOU Chop Block 15 penalty yards · no play.

  5. 13:24 · 3rd & 20 · HOU 24

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  6. 13:19 · 4th & 20 · HOU 24

    Punt · BUF Illegal Blindside Block 14 penalty yards.

    Punter: K.Kroeger

  7. 13:10 · 1st & 10 · BUF 14

    Run · 1 yard.

    Runner: J.Cook

  8. 12:33 · 2nd & 9 · BUF 15

    Pass · complete · 3 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  9. 12:01 · 3rd & 6 · BUF 18

    Pass · complete · 17 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  10. 11:35 · 1st & 10 · BUF 35

    Run · 1 yard.

    Runner: J.Cook

  11. 10:54 · 2nd & 9 · BUF 36

    Penalty · BUF Offensive Holding 10 penalty yards · no play.

  12. 10:31 · 2nd & 19 · BUF 26

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen

  13. 10:18 · 3rd & 19 · BUF 26

    Pass · complete · 7 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  14. 09:41 · 4th & 12 · BUF 33

    Punt.

    Punter: T.Doman

  15. 09:26 · 1st & 10 · HOU 4

    Run · -2 yards.

    Runner: W.Marks

  16. 08:46 · 2nd & 12 · HOU 2

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  17. 08:42 · 3rd & 12 · HOU 2

    Run · 7 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Runner: W.Marks

  18. 08:10 · 4th & 5 · HOU 9

    Punt.

    Punter: K.Kroeger

  19. 07:58 · 1st & 10 · HOU 43

    Run · 1 yard.

    Runner: J.Cook

  20. 07:22 · 2nd & 9 · HOU 42

    Penalty · HOU Roughing the Passer 15 penalty yards · no play.

    First down recorded

  21. 07:15 · 1st & 10 · HOU 27

    Pass · complete · 11 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  22. 06:34 · 1st & 10 · HOU 16

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: J.Cook

  23. 05:56 · 2nd & 7 · HOU 13

    Sack · -5 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen

  24. 05:11 · 3rd & 12 · HOU 18

    Pass · complete · 2 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  25. 04:27 · 4th & 10 · HOU 16

    Field goal · made.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 27 – HOU 21

  26. 04:24 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  27. 04:19 · 1st & 10 · HOU 28

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud

  28. 04:13 · 2nd & 10 · HOU 28

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Montgomery

  29. 03:33 · 3rd & 1 · HOU 37

    Run · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  30. 02:50 · 4th & 1 · HOU 37

    Run · 2 yards.

    First down recorded · Fourth down converted

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  31. 02:08 · 1st & 10 · HOU 39

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: F.Moreau

  32. 01:35 · 2nd & 1 · HOU 48

    Pass · complete · 21 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: K.Boutte

  33. 01:12 · 1st & 10 · BUF 31

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  34. 01:07 · 2nd & 10 · BUF 31

    Pass · complete · 9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  35. 00:47 · 3rd & 1 · BUF 22

    Run · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Runner: C.Stroud

  36. 00:04 · 4th & 1 · BUF 22

    Run · 3 yards.

    First down recorded · Fourth down converted

    Runner: W.Marks

  37. 00:00 · BUF 19

    Quarter ends.

Quarter 4 · 56 events

  1. 15:00 · 1st & 10 · BUF 19

    Pass · complete · 12 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: J.Wayne

  2. 14:17 · 1st & 7 · BUF 7

    Run · 0 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  3. 13:39 · 2nd & 7 · BUF 7

    Pass · complete · 7 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Montgomery · Touchdown scorer: D.Montgomery

    BUF 27 – HOU 27

  4. 13:34 · BUF 15

    Extra-point kick · good.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

    BUF 27 – HOU 28

  5. 13:34 · HOU 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  6. 13:29 · 1st & 10 · BUF 34

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Cook

  7. 13:23 · 2nd & 10 · BUF 34

    Pass · complete · 6 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  8. 12:44 · 3rd & 4 · BUF 40

    Pass · complete · 40 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  9. 11:58 · 1st & 10 · HOU 20

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: J.Cook

  10. 11:15 · 2nd & 7 · HOU 17

    Pass · complete · 3 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Cook

  11. 10:41 · 3rd & 4 · HOU 14

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Shakir

  12. 10:36 · 4th & 4 · HOU 14

    Field goal · made.

    Kicker: T.Bass

    BUF 30 – HOU 28

  13. 10:31 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  14. 10:26 · 1st & 10 · HOU 35

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  15. 10:22 · 2nd & 10 · HOU 35

    Penalty · HOU Offensive Holding 10 penalty yards · no play.

  16. 10:14 · 2nd & 20 · HOU 25

    Run · 10 yards.

    Runner: W.Marks

  17. 09:28 · 3rd & 10 · HOU 35

    Pass · complete · 20 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  18. 08:49 · 1st & 10 · BUF 45

    Run · -2 yards.

    Runner: W.Marks

  19. 08:12 · 2nd & 12 · BUF 47

    Pass · complete · 6 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  20. 07:30 · 3rd & 6 · BUF 41

    Pass · complete · 2 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  21. 06:48 · 4th & 4 · BUF 39

    Field goal · made.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

    BUF 30 – HOU 31

  22. 06:44 · HOU 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: K.Fairbairn

  23. 06:38 · 1st & 10 · BUF 20

    Run · 0 yards.

    Runner: J.Allen

  24. 05:56 · 2nd & 12 · BUF 18

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  25. 05:50 · 3rd & 12 · BUF 18

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Moore

  26. 05:45 · 4th & 12 · BUF 18

    Punt.

    Punter: T.Doman

  27. 05:39 · 1st & 10 · HOU 36

    Run · 3 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  28. 04:57 · 2nd & 7 · HOU 39

    Run · -2 yards.

    Runner: D.Montgomery

  29. 04:10 · 3rd & 9 · HOU 37

    Pass · complete · 0 yards.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  30. 03:24 · 4th & 9 · HOU 37

    Punt.

    Punter: K.Kroeger

  31. 03:13 · 1st & 10 · BUF 4

    Run · 12 yards.

    First down recorded

    Runner: J.Cook

  32. 02:34 · 1st & 10 · BUF 19

    Pass · complete · 7 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Knox

  33. 02:06 · 2nd & 3 · BUF 26

    Pass · complete · 6 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Cook

  34. 02:00 · 1st & 10 · BUF 32

    Pass · complete · 35 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: D.Kincaid

  35. 01:53 · 1st & 10 · HOU 33

    Run · -1 yard.

    Runner: J.Cook

  36. 01:48 · 2nd & 11 · HOU 34

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Palmer

  37. 01:48 · HOU 34

    Timeout · HOU.

  38. 01:41 · 3rd & 11 · HOU 34

    Pass · complete · 34 yards · touchdown.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: J.Palmer · Touchdown scorer: J.Palmer

    BUF 36 – HOU 31

  39. 01:36 · HOU 2

    Two-point attempt · 0 yards · failure.

    Passer: J.Allen · Target: K.Coleman

  40. 01:36 · BUF 35

    Kickoff.

    Kicker: T.Bass

  41. 01:31 · 1st & 10 · HOU 29

    Pass · complete · 18 yards.

    First down recorded

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  42. 01:11 · 1st & 10 · HOU 47

    Pass · complete · 8 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: D.Schultz

  43. 00:50 · 2nd & 2 · BUF 45

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  44. 00:44 · 3rd & 2 · BUF 45

    Run · 6 yards · BUF Defensive Holding 5 penalty yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Runner: W.Marks

  45. 00:39 · 1st & 10 · BUF 34

    Penalty · HOU False Start 5 penalty yards · no play.

  46. 00:39 · 1st & 15 · BUF 39

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: X.Hutchinson

  47. 00:35 · 2nd & 15 · BUF 39

    Pass · complete · 12 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  48. 00:30 · 3rd & 3 · BUF 27

    Pass · complete · 18 yards.

    First down recorded · Third down converted

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: J.Noel

  49. 00:30

    Timeout · HOU.

  50. 00:30 · BUF 27

    Timeout · BUF.

  51. 00:25 · 1st & 9 · BUF 9

    Sack · -9 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud

  52. 00:20 · 2nd & 18 · BUF 18

    Pass · incomplete · 0 yards.

    Passer: C.Stroud · Target: N.Collins

  53. 00:20 · BUF 18

    Timeout · HOU.

  54. 00:16 · 3rd & 18 · BUF 18

    Sack · -6 yards · fumble lost.

    Third down not converted

    Passer: C.Stroud

  55. 00:09 · 1st & 10 · BUF 24

    Quarterback kneel · -1 yard.

    Runner: J.Allen

  56. 00:00

    Game ends.

Team statistics

UPDATED Updated Oct 4, 2026, 10:49 am EDT

Both teams are represented. Only available metrics are shown. First downs and scoring opportunities appear in the play summary above. Possession time appears in the drive section above. These totals are independent of the partial player table.

BUF at HOU · Week 1 · Dated team totals
StatisticBUFHOU
Passing yards before sacks334274
Net total yards409381
Net passing yards323257
Rushing yards86124
Pass attempts2938
Pass completions2026
Rush attempts2132
Turnovers lost02
Interceptions thrown00
Fumbles lost02
Penalties (reported count)107
Penalty yards85106
Sacks allowed23
Sack yards lost1117

Net passing yards subtract sack yards lost from passing yards. Net total yards add rushing yards to net passing yards. Turnovers lost combine interceptions thrown and total fumbles lost, including special teams. Penalties show the recorded statistical count. A dash means an unavailable value.

Player box score

UPDATED Updated Oct 4, 2026, 10:49 am EDT

Dated player statistics · Partial coverage

69 of 75 recorded players have supported statistics shown here. Team totals appear in the table above; these player rows are not a complete team total. A dash means the value was not reported.

Passing · 2 supplied players
Passing
PlayerTeamPass YdsAttCmpCmp %Yds/AttTDINTSck takenSck Yds
Josh AllenBUF334292069.011.520211
C.J. StroudHOU274382668.47.220317
Rushing · 8 supplied players
Rushing
PlayerTeamRush YdsAttYds/AttTDFum
Frank Gore Jr.BUF313.000
James CookBUF57134.401
Josh AllenBUF2363.821
Ray DavisBUF313.000
C.J. StroudHOU1527.500
David MontgomeryHOU60203.020
Nico CollinsHOU717.000
Woody MarksHOU4294.700
Receiving · 18 supplied players
Receiving
PlayerTeamRec YdsRecTgtsYds/RecTDFum
DJ MooreBUF1005820.010
Dalton KincaidBUF1305626.000
Dawson KnoxBUF7117.000
James CookBUF12344.000
Josh PalmerBUF341234.010
Keon ColemanBUF1111.000
Khalil ShakirBUF504612.500
Cade StoverHOU-211-2.000
Dalton SchultzHOU35488.800
David MontgomeryHOU19336.310
Foster MoreauHOU15227.500
Jared WayneHOU121112.000
Jaylin NoelHOU532226.500
Kayshon BoutteHOU211221.000
Marlin KleinHOU161116.000
Nico CollinsHOU7571010.710
Woody MarksHOU-211-2.000
Xavier HutchinsonHOU323610.700
Defense · 44 supplied players
Defense
PlayerTeamTacklesSoloHelpAstSacksINTFF
Bradley ChubbBUF40040.000
C.J. Gardner-JohnsonBUF86020.000
Christian BenfordBUF53020.000
Cole BishopBUF72050.000
Damar HamlinBUF20020.000
Davison IgbinosunBUF21010.000
DeWayne CarterBUF21010.000
Dee AlfordBUF20020.000
Deone WalkerBUF63031.000
Dorian WilliamsBUF93150.000
Ed OliverBUF52030.000
Greg GainesBUF21010.000
Greg RousseauBUF44002.002
Javon SolomonBUF31020.000
Joe AndreessenBUF31020.000
Jordan HancockBUF10010.000
Kaleb Elarms-OrrBUF20020.000
Keleki LatuBUF21010.000
Landon JacksonBUF11000.000
Maxwell HairstonBUF32010.000
Michael HoechtBUF51040.000
TJ ParkerBUF20020.000
Terrel BernardBUF125160.000
Azeez Al-ShaairHOU85030.000
Cade StoverHOU20020.000
Calen BullockHOU65010.000
Derek Stingley Jr.HOU44000.001
Dominique RobinsonHOU10010.000
George OdumHOU10010.000
Henry To'oTo'oHOU21010.000
Jadeveon ClowneyHOU11001.000
Jake HansenHOU20020.000
Jalen PitreHOU64020.000
Jaylin SmithHOU11000.000
Ka'imi FairbairnHOU10010.000
Kamari LassiterHOU31020.000
Mario EdwardsHOU10010.500
Reed BlankenshipHOU74030.000
Sabastian HarshHOU10010.000
Sheldon RankinsHOU30030.000
Tommy TogiaiHOU21010.000
Tremon SmithHOU11000.000
Wade WoodazHOU10010.000
Will Anderson Jr.HOU31020.500
Kicking · 2 supplied players
Kicking
PlayerTeamFGMFGAXPMXPAFG %XP %
Tyler BassBUF3333100.0100.0
Ka'imi FairbairnHOU1144100.0100.0
Punting · 2 supplied players
Punting
PlayerTeamPunt YdsPuntsBlockedYds/Punt
Tommy Doman Jr.BUF1092054.5
Kai KroegerHOU2084052.0
Punt returns · 1 supplied players
Punt returns
PlayerTeamYdsRetYds/Ret
Greg DortchBUF1025.0
Kickoff returns · 5 supplied players
Kickoff returns
PlayerTeamYdsRetYds/Ret
Greg DortchBUF82327.3
Ray DavisBUF51225.5
Jaylin NoelHOU70323.3
Tremon SmithHOU54227.0
Woody MarksHOU78326.0

Game recap

Postgame analysis: Buffalo’s 96-yard response needs one last defensive finish

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Texans 36–31 at Reliant Stadium on September 13, 2026. Buffalo’s winning touchdown came at the end of a 96-yard fourth-quarter drive, but the opener remained undecided until two late sacks ended Houston’s final scoring threat.

A long field and a third-and-11 answer

Buffalo took possession at its own four-yard line with 3:13 remaining, trailing 31–30. The drive survived an early James Cook fumble because O’Cyrus Torrence recovered it. Later, Dalton Kincaid’s 35-yard reception moved the Bills from their own 32 into Houston territory.

Two plays after that gain, Josh Allen’s first attempt toward Joshua Palmer fell incomplete. On third-and-11, Allen went back to Palmer for a 34-yard touchdown. Buffalo’s two-point attempt failed, leaving a five-point lead and 1:36 for the Texans to respond.

Houston reached first-and-goal at the Buffalo nine. Deone Walker then sacked C.J. Stroud for a nine-yard loss. After an incompletion, Greg Rousseau forced a fumble on another sack and Terrel Bernard recovered, allowing the Bills to kneel out the remaining nine seconds. Rousseau had also forced a fumble on Houston’s first offensive possession, giving Buffalo decisive takeaways at both ends of the game.

Big plays offset Houston’s longer possessions

Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, adding two rushing touchdowns. Kincaid finished with five catches for 130 yards, and DJ Moore added five for 100 with a 43-yard score. Palmer had one reception, but it supplied the winning points.

David Montgomery scored three touchdowns for Houston, two rushing and one receiving. The Texans controlled possession for 36:17 and ran 73 offensive plays to Buffalo’s 52. The Bills countered with 409 net yards and no lost turnovers. Their path to victory depended on covering ground quickly, then producing a defensive play that denied Houston one final scoring finish.

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