Houston's Reliant Stadium had been a nightmarish place for the Buffalo Bills to play in recent years, having lost their last six games there -- including the playoffs -- dating back to 2012. However, Sunday's regular season opener was a different story. In a game that saw the lead change hands eight times, the Bills survived in the final seconds for a thrilling 36-31 victory over the Texans.
Both teams gained over 200 yards in the first half, which ended with the Bills (1-0) leading 24-21. The seesaw nature of the contest continued in the second half. After a Bills field goal, the Texans took a 28-27 advantage on a touchdown reception by David Montgomery early in the 4th quarter. Both teams then traded field goals, and with 3:13 remaining, the Bills found themselves backed up at their own 4-yard line. But Buffalo went the length of the field, driving 96 yards in seven plays to regain the lead. On a 3rd-and-11, Josh Allen connected with Josh Palmer for a 34-yard touchdown with 1:36 left, but the two-point attempt was no good, giving the Texans a chance to win. Houston drove down to the Buffalo 9-yard line with 25 seconds left, but the Bills' defense came to the rescue. Deone Walker sacked C.J. Stroud, then two plays later, Greg Rousseau stripped the ball from Stroud, and Terrel Bernard fell on the loose ball to preserve the win.
Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns and added a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win. Dalton Kincaid led all Buffalo receivers with 130 yards on five catches, and D.J. Moore added five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in his first regular season game as a Bill. Houston running back David Montgomery scored three touchdowns in a losing effort, while C.J. Stroud put up 274 yards and touchdowns in the air.
The Bills will host the Detroit Lions in their next game on Thursday at 8:15 PM at the new Highmark Stadium.
Photos by the Buffalo Bills
