Texans vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats
The texans vs buffalo bills match player stats from the September 13, 2026 matchup tell the story of a 36-31 Buffalo victory that was far more competitive than the final score suggests. Houston led early, Buffalo responded with a huge second quarter, and the Texans repeatedly fought back before the Bills produced the decisive late scoring drive. The game featured 67 combined points, strong quarterback play from Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud, two rushing touchdowns from Allen, a 130-yard performance from Dalton Kincaid, and an important late touchdown connection between Allen and Joshua Palmer. (NFL)
For anyone studying texans vs buffalo bills match player stats, the most useful lesson is that this was not simply a quarterback box-score victory. Buffalo won because its passing efficiency, explosive plays, quarterback rushing, and late-game execution combined at the right moments. Houston moved the ball well too, but two lost fumbles and Buffalo’s ability to create explosive passing plays ultimately made the difference.
Texans vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Texans 36-31 in Houston on September 13, 2026. The result gave Buffalo a 1-0 record and left Houston at 0-1 after the opening game of the regular season. The official NFL schedule confirms the matchup as Week 1, not Week 5. (NFL)
Final Score by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Buffalo Bills | 3 | 21 | 3 | 9 | 36 |
| Houston Texans | 7 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 31 |
The scoring pattern immediately explains why the game felt so volatile.
Houston started better, scoring seven points in the opening quarter while Buffalo managed only a field goal. Buffalo then completely changed the rhythm in the second quarter, scoring 21 points and taking control.
The third quarter was much quieter. Buffalo added three points while Houston was shut out. That gave the Bills a platform heading into the final period.
Houston then produced a 10-point fourth quarter and continued applying pressure. Buffalo, however, answered with nine points of its own and secured the five-point victory.
The NFL’s official Week 1 recap described the game as an unexpected shootout, with Buffalo twice needing to regain the lead after Houston moved ahead. (NFL)
Josh Allen’s Passing Performance
Josh Allen was the central figure in Buffalo’s victory.
He completed 20 of 29 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His passer rating was 130.5. He also added 23 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on six attempts. NFL’s official statistics confirm the same passing line. (NFL)
| Statistic | Josh Allen |
| Completions | 20 |
| Attempts | 29 |
| Completion Rate | 69.0% |
| Passing Yards | 334 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 130.5 |
| Rushing Attempts | 6 |
| Rushing Yards | 23 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 |
The completion percentage is important, but the bigger story is the 334 passing yards.
Allen averaged 11.5 yards per completed pass attempt according to the NFL statistical line, and his downfield aggression was a major reason Buffalo could repeatedly generate scoring opportunities.
NFL analysis also noted that Allen completed 11 of 16 passes traveling at least 10 air yards, while producing 286 downfield passing yards. That level of explosive passing placed unusual stress on Houston’s defense. (NFL)
Why Allen’s Performance Was So Important
Allen did not need to throw an enormous number of passes.
He attempted only 29 throws, yet produced 334 yards. That combination indicates a Buffalo offense that was willing to attack space downfield rather than simply relying on short completions.
His two rushing touchdowns made the performance even more valuable.
When a quarterback can contribute four total touchdowns without throwing an interception, the opposing defense faces a difficult decision. If defenders play aggressively against the passing game, Allen can attack with his legs. If they devote extra attention to the quarterback’s rushing ability, Buffalo can exploit passing lanes.
That balance was visible throughout the game.
C.J. Stroud’s Passing Performance
C.J. Stroud was also highly effective despite Houston losing the game.
He completed 26 of 38 attempts for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His passer rating was 106.7.
| Statistic | C.J. Stroud |
| Completions | 26 |
| Attempts | 38 |
| Completion Rate | 68.4% |
| Passing Yards | 274 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 106.7 |
Stroud’s numbers show why the Texans were able to remain within striking distance.
He completed six more passes than Allen and finished with a strong 68.4% completion rate. His 274 passing yards were enough to keep Houston’s offense productive throughout the afternoon.
The important difference was efficiency at the explosive end of the passing game.
Allen generated 334 yards on 29 attempts, while Stroud needed 38 attempts to reach 274 yards. That does not make Stroud’s performance poor. Instead, it highlights the different ways the two offenses created production.
Houston frequently moved the ball through sustained drives, while Buffalo repeatedly generated large chunks of yardage.
The NFL’s Week 1 analysis specifically highlighted Stroud’s ability to make quality throws while Houston’s improved rushing attack helped the quarterback settle into the game. (NFL)
Buffalo Bills Rushing Stats
Buffalo finished with 21 rushing attempts for 86 yards, an average of 4.1 yards per carry, and two touchdowns.
The most productive traditional runner was James Cook III.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TDs |
| James Cook III | 13 | 57 | 4.4 | 0 |
| Josh Allen | 6 | 23 | 3.8 | 2 |
Cook provided Buffalo with steady ground production, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.
His 57 yards were not spectacular in isolation, but they helped prevent Houston from treating the game as a pure passing contest.
Allen’s six rushing attempts were more influential because two reached the end zone.
This is an important distinction when interpreting player statistics. A running back can lead the team in rushing yards while the quarterback remains the more important rushing scorer.
That is exactly what happened here.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats
Houston ran the ball 32 times for 124 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
David Montgomery led the Texans with 20 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TDs |
| David Montgomery | 20 | 60 | 3.0 | 2 |
| Texans Team | 32 | 124 | 3.9 | 2 |
Montgomery’s workload was significant.
Twenty carries gave Houston a consistent ground presence and helped keep the Buffalo defense honest. His two touchdowns also accounted for an important portion of the Texans’ scoring.
Yet the efficiency tells a more complicated story.
Montgomery averaged only 3.0 yards per carry. His two touchdowns therefore mattered more than his yardage total suggests.
Houston’s overall rushing attack was more efficient than Montgomery’s individual average because other runners contributed to the 124-yard team total.
The bigger tactical takeaway is that Houston had enough rushing production to support Stroud, but not enough consistency to completely control the game.
Buffalo Receiving Leaders
Dalton Kincaid produced one of the most impressive statistical performances of the matchup.
He caught five passes for 130 yards, averaging 26.0 yards per reception, with a long gain of 40 yards. He did not score a touchdown. NFL’s official player log confirms the 5-catch, 130-yard performance. (NFL)
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
| Dalton Kincaid | 5 | 130 | 26.0 | 40 | 0 |
| DJ Moore | 5 | 100 | 20.0 | 43 | 1 |
| Joshua Palmer | 1 | 34 | 34.0 | 34 | 1 |
Kincaid’s average of 26.0 yards per reception stands out immediately.
For a tight end, that kind of production can dramatically alter defensive structure. Houston could not simply treat Kincaid as a short-area possession target.
He became an explosive threat.
The 40-yard connection between Allen and Kincaid was particularly important in the late stages. NFL’s official recap identified a 35-yard Kincaid reception as a key part of Buffalo’s final scoring drive. (NFL)
DJ Moore’s Buffalo Debut
DJ Moore also made an immediate impact.
He recorded five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. His 43-yard touchdown reception was one of the defining explosive plays of the afternoon.
The NFL reported that Moore finished with eight targets, five catches, 100 yards, and a touchdown in his first game with Buffalo. (NFL)
That matters beyond one box score.
A receiver capable of producing 100 yards while also forcing defensive attention can make life easier for everyone else. Kincaid’s 130 yards suggest that Houston could not consistently eliminate both threats at once.
Joshua Palmer then delivered the most important reception of the game.
His only catch went for 34 yards and the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. NFL reported that Allen found Palmer for the decisive 34-yard score with 1:36 remaining. (NFL Fantasy)
That is an excellent example of why raw reception totals can sometimes be misleading.
One catch can matter more than five catches if it changes the outcome.
Houston Texans Receiving Leaders
Nico Collins led Houston’s receiving production with seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Nico Collins | 7 | 75 | 10.7 | 1 |
| Houston Team Passing | 26 completions | 274 yards | 10.5 per completion | 2 TD |
Collins’ seven receptions made him an important part of Stroud’s passing rhythm.
His touchdown also provided a direct scoring contribution, but his 75-yard total was well below Kincaid’s 130 and Moore’s 100.
That difference does not mean Houston lacked receiving talent. It shows how Buffalo’s passing game produced bigger individual gains.
Houston’s offense still completed 26 passes, which demonstrates that Buffalo did not shut down the Texans’ passing attack.
Instead, Buffalo made Houston work for more of its yardage.
The Most Important Defensive Stats
Defense often receives less attention in a 67-point game, but several numbers are critical.
Buffalo Defense
| Category | Buffalo |
| Total Tackles | 92 |
| Solo Tackles | 40 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 8 |
| Passes Defended | 2 |
| QB Hits | 9 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Terrel Bernard led Buffalo with 12 total tackles and six solo tackles.
Michael Hoecht led the team with two sacks.
The nine quarterback hits are particularly interesting because they show that Buffalo generated pressure even without forcing an interception.
That pressure helped limit Houston’s ability to turn its passing volume into a late-game advantage.
Houston Defense
| Category | Houston |
| Total Tackles | 57 |
| Solo Tackles | 29 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 5 |
| QB Hits | 4 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Azeez Al-Shaair led Houston with eight total tackles and five solo tackles.
The Texans recorded two sacks, with Jadeveon Clowney getting one and Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter each recording half a sack.
Houston’s defense also produced five passes defended.
The key problem was not a complete lack of defensive production. It was the inability to consistently prevent Buffalo’s explosive gains.
Turnovers Changed the Margin
One of the clearest differences in the texans vs buffalo bills match player stats was ball security.
Buffalo had two fumbles but lost neither.
Houston also had two fumbles, but both were lost.
| Team | Fumbles | Lost |
| Buffalo | 2 | 0 |
| Houston | 2 | 2 |
That creates a two-turnover advantage for Buffalo.
In a five-point game, that is significant.
The Texans generated enough offense to score 31 points. If they had protected both possessions, the game could have developed very differently.
Turnover margin should never be treated as the only explanation for a result, but in a matchup this close, two lost possessions can easily become the difference between winning and losing.
There were no interceptions on either side.
That means the turnover story came entirely from fumbles.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams also contributed useful context.
Buffalo
Tyler Bass was perfect on his field-goal attempts, converting all three. His longest field goal was 46 yards, and he also made all three extra-point attempts for 12 total kicking points.
Buffalo’s punt game included two punts for 109 yards, an average of 54.5 yards per punt, with a long of 63 yards.
The Bills also returned five kickoffs for 133 yards.
Houston
Ka’imi Fairbairn converted his only field-goal attempt, a 58-yard kick, and made all four extra points.
He scored seven points.
Houston returned eight kickoffs for 202 yards, averaging 25.3 yards per return.
Kai Kroeger punted four times for 208 yards, averaging 52.0 yards per punt, with a long of 59 yards.
The special teams numbers therefore do not point to one overwhelming advantage.
Houston actually had more kickoff-return yardage, while Buffalo’s perfect field-goal performance helped maintain its scoring efficiency.
How the Game Was Actually Won
The final score suggests a close game, and the statistics support that interpretation.
But the path to the result was more specific.
1. Buffalo Created More Explosive Passing Plays
This was arguably the biggest offensive difference.
Allen produced 334 yards on 29 attempts. Kincaid averaged 26 yards per reception. Moore averaged 20 yards per catch. Palmer scored on a 34-yard reception.
Houston moved the ball effectively, but Buffalo repeatedly generated larger chunks.
That matters because explosive plays reduce the number of successful plays an offense needs to complete a scoring drive.
2. Allen Added Two Rushing Touchdowns
Allen’s rushing touchdowns made the Buffalo offense harder to defend.
Houston had to account for the quarterback near the goal line, which changes the geometry of the defense.
Even when Allen’s rushing yardage was modest, his two touchdowns had major scoring value.
3. Houston Lost Two Fumbles
This was the clearest avoidable problem.
Houston put together enough offensive production to win a shootout, but losing both fumbles handed Buffalo additional opportunities.
In a 36-31 game, possession value becomes critical.
4. Buffalo Finished the Game Better
The final offensive sequence was the clearest example.
NFL reported that Buffalo’s game-winning drive covered 96 yards over seven plays. Allen connected with Kincaid for a major gain before finding Palmer for the decisive touchdown. (NFL)
That drive demonstrated late-game execution.
The Bills did not simply survive Houston’s comeback attempt. They responded with their own scoring drive.
Buffalo’s Offensive Identity
The game provided an early look at how Buffalo could attack defenses.
The offense was not dependent on one receiver.
Kincaid produced 130 yards.
Moore produced 100.
Palmer delivered the decisive touchdown on his only reception.
Cook handled the majority of the traditional rushing workload.
Allen contributed both through the air and on the ground.
That distribution creates a difficult defensive problem.
If a defense focuses heavily on Kincaid, Moore can attack one-on-one matchups. If the defense plays aggressively against the receivers, Allen can use his mobility. If defenders stay deep, Cook can help maintain the rushing threat.
The statistical distribution is therefore more important than any single player’s total.
Houston’s Offensive Identity
Houston’s offense showed enough balance to remain dangerous.
The Texans ran 32 times compared with 21 Buffalo rushing attempts.
Montgomery received 20 carries and scored twice.
Stroud completed 26 passes and threw two touchdowns without an interception.
Collins caught seven passes and scored once.
This was not an offense that collapsed.
Instead, Houston’s problem was that its production was slightly less explosive and its mistakes were more costly.
The Texans reached 31 points, which is normally enough to give a team an excellent chance to win.
Against Buffalo, however, it was not enough.
Comparing the Quarterbacks
A direct comparison is useful because both quarterbacks played well.
| Category | Josh Allen | C.J. Stroud |
| Completions | 20 | 26 |
| Attempts | 29 | 38 |
| Completion Rate | 69.0% | 68.4% |
| Passing Yards | 334 | 274 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 130.5 | 106.7 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | 0 |
Stroud had more completions.
Allen had more passing yards.
Both threw two touchdowns.
Neither threw an interception.
The major statistical separation came from efficiency and rushing production.
Allen produced 334 passing yards on nine fewer attempts and added two rushing touchdowns.
That combination explains why his performance had greater overall impact.
It is also worth noting that Allen’s performance was not flawless. NFL analysis pointed out that Houston had opportunities to capitalize on mistakes, including a late dropped interception opportunity. (NFL)
That is an important part of honest analysis.
A 130.5 passer rating does not mean every decision was perfect.
Why Dalton Kincaid Matters So Much
Kincaid’s performance deserves special attention because his numbers changed the defensive equation.
Five catches for 130 yards means Houston allowed an average of 26 yards every time Kincaid caught the football.
His 40-yard long gain also demonstrates his ability to create explosive plays rather than merely collect short completions.
The NFL reported that the 130-yard game was a career high for Kincaid at the time. (NFL)
For Buffalo, that kind of production from the tight end position adds another layer to the passing attack.
It also makes the offense harder to predict.
Why DJ Moore’s 100 Yards Matter
Moore’s first game with Buffalo produced an immediate statistical statement.
Five receptions.
100 yards.
One touchdown.
Eight targets.
That combination suggests Buffalo did not add Moore simply as a rotational receiver. He immediately became part of the passing game’s explosive-play structure.
The 43-yard touchdown was especially important because it demonstrated that Buffalo could create vertical plays outside the numbers and not rely exclusively on its tight ends or running backs. (NFL)
The Role of James Cook
Cook’s 57 rushing yards may look modest beside Allen’s passing numbers, but his role should not be ignored.
Thirteen carries gave Buffalo a reliable rushing option.
His 4.4-yard average was also better than Houston’s leading back’s 3.0-yard average.
The Bills did not need Cook to produce 100 rushing yards because Allen and the passing attack supplied the explosive production.
That is an important distinction when analyzing offensive roles.
A running back does not have to lead the game in yardage to contribute to a winning offensive structure.
The Defensive Pressure Battle
Buffalo recorded three sacks compared with Houston’s two.
The Bills also recorded nine quarterback hits compared with Houston’s four.
That difference matters.
Even though Stroud completed 26 passes and avoided interceptions, Buffalo created more consistent disruption around the quarterback.
Houston’s two sacks show that the Texans did generate pressure, but the four quarterback hits were considerably lower than Buffalo’s nine.
This helps explain why Buffalo could maintain offensive rhythm while Houston faced more disruption.
What the Score Says About Both Teams
A 36-31 final score tells us that both offenses had real success.
Buffalo scored 36 points.
Houston scored 31.
The Texans gained enough rushing and passing production to stay competitive.
The Bills, however, combined efficiency with explosive plays.
This is why looking only at total yards can produce an incomplete conclusion.
The better question is:
Which team converted its opportunities into the most valuable outcomes?
Buffalo did.
The Bills protected their football, hit explosive passing plays, converted all three field goals, scored four total touchdowns through Allen’s passing and rushing production, and delivered the decisive late drive.
Houston produced plenty of offense but gave away two fumbles and could not stop Buffalo’s biggest plays often enough.
A Practical Way to Read These Player Stats
When analyzing a close NFL game, start with five areas rather than focusing only on the final score.
Passing efficiency
Look at completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and passer rating together.
Explosive plays
Check long receptions and the distribution of passing yards.
Rushing efficiency
Compare carries and yards, but also consider touchdown value and quarterback rushing.
Turnovers
Fumbles lost and interceptions can change a close game more than raw yardage.
Late-game execution
Study the final meaningful drives.
In this matchup, all five categories pointed toward Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Texans vs Buffalo Bills game?
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Texans 36-31 on September 13, 2026, in Houston. The NFL’s official schedule lists Buffalo as 1-0 and Houston as 0-1 after the matchup. (NFL)
How did Josh Allen perform against the Texans?
Josh Allen completed 20 of 29 passes for 334 yards, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed six times for 23 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 130.5 passer rating. (NFL)
How did C.J. Stroud perform against Buffalo?
C.J. Stroud completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His passer rating was 106.7.
Who was Buffalo’s leading receiver?
Dalton Kincaid led Buffalo with five receptions for 130 yards, an average of 26.0 yards per reception, and a long reception of 40 yards. (NFL)
Who led Houston in rushing?
David Montgomery led Houston with 20 rushing attempts for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
What was the biggest statistical difference in the game?
Turnovers and explosive passing were two of the biggest differences. Houston lost two fumbles while Buffalo lost none, and Buffalo produced 334 passing yards compared with Houston’s 274.
Conclusion
The texans vs buffalo bills match player stats show a game decided by more than one standout performance.
Josh Allen was the headline performer because he combined 334 passing yards and two passing touchdowns with two rushing touchdowns. Dalton Kincaid produced 130 receiving yards, DJ Moore reached 100 yards and scored, and Joshua Palmer delivered the decisive 34-yard touchdown.
Houston had strong contributions as well. C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. David Montgomery rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns, while Nico Collins recorded seven receptions for 75 yards and a score.
The overall statistical picture is especially revealing. Houston actually ran the ball more and completed more passes, but Buffalo generated more passing yards, more quarterback pressure, and more explosive offensive plays. Most importantly, Buffalo protected the football while Houston lost both of its fumbles.
The final five-point margin accurately reflects how competitive the matchup was. Houston had enough offense to win, but Buffalo executed the most important moments better.
For readers using texans vs buffalo bills match player stats to understand the game rather than simply find a box score, the central takeaway is clear: Buffalo won through explosive passing, quarterback versatility, cleaner ball security, and superior late-game execution.
