League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Bills edge Texans 36-31 as Allen shines, defense struggles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 10:59 PM

Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Bills edge Texans 36-31 as Allen shines, defense struggles

Summary

In their season opener on September 14, the Bills prevailed 36-31 against the Texans in a game marked by eight lead changes, including four in the final quarter. Josh Allen showcased his talent with four total touchdowns, though the Bills' defense faced significant challenges, allowing 124 rushing yards and 26 first downs. The victory secured by a late defensive play highlighted ongoing issues with Buffalo's defense, which was revamped following a disappointing previous season. Looking ahead, the Bills will prepare for a Thursday matchup against the Lions, a team they faced in a high-scoring affair last December.

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By the Numbers

•Josh Allen accounts for four touchdowns in the win.
•Buffalo's defense allows 124 rushing yards and 26 first downs.
•Bills face the Detroit Lions on Thursday after this matchup.
•First-year coordinator Jim Leonhard acknowledges defensive improvement is needed.
•Dalton Kincaid records 130 receiving yards, a notable achievement.

Latest Updates

10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Bills open season in familiar fashion with Josh Allen still patching over defensive deficiencies

What they're saying

"
As first impressions go, the new-look Buffalo Bills under Joe Brady opened the season looking much like the team previously coached by Sean McDermott. Josh Allen was a near one-man offensive show in a 36-31 win at Houston that featured eight lead changes, including four in the final quarter. Breathtaking as the performance was, it was also reminiscent of the recent past with Allen once again required to patch over the defense’s deficiencies.
— Yahoo Sportsby JOHN WAWROW

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