Bills vs. Texans live score, updates, highlights from NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ game

JUMP TO:

The AFC playoff picture heats up immediately in Week 12 as the Buffalo Bills travel to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans for Thursday Night Football. Both teams are riding momentum from Week 11 wins, setting the stage for a critical cross-divisional matchup where playoff positioning hangs in the balance. 

This matchup is a battle for divisional survival. The Bills (7-3) currently sit two games behind the AFC East-leading New England Patriots (9-2), while the Texans (5-5) are fighting to catch the pace-setting Indianapolis Colts (8-2) in the AFC South. With a win, both teams can gain crucial ground to keep the pressure on their rivals as the regular season enters the home stretch.

The primary storyline revolves around the quarterback matchup — or lack thereof. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen is coming off a massive performance, putting up 357 total yards and six total touchdowns in the Bills’ Week 11 win, and he is playing at an elite level. However, the availability of Texans star C.J. Stroud is uncertain as he deals with a concussion that has sidelined him for the past two games. If Stroud cannot clear protocol, the Texans will rely on veteran Davis Mills to manage the offense, a substantial downgrade that dramatically shifts the game’s dynamic and places the burden squarely on Houston’s defense.

The Bills boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league, capable of putting up points in bunches behind Allen’s dual-threat ability. However, they face a formidable challenge in the Houston defense, which, despite the Texans’ overall record, has quietly been one of the NFL’s best units this season. Houston entered the week ranked near the top in both points and yards allowed per game, presenting a test for Allen and the Buffalo attack, especially on a short week of preparation.

With one of the best players in football in primetime, there’s sure to be fireworks as two talented rosters go at it. Follow along for updates below.

STREAM: Watch Bills vs. Texans live with Amazon Prime

Bills vs. Texans score

Bills vs. Texans live updates, highlights from ‘Monday Night Football’

Josh Allen representing Oishei Children’s Hospital for #MyCauseMyCleats ❤️ @BuffaloBills

Learn more: https://t.co/2RlmCstARI

BUFvsHOU on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aEQhDqK3oi

— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2025

Josh Allen is repping Oishei Children’s Hospital, where he has a special relationship with many of the patients. Allen even teared up when they made him a video after winning the 2024 NFL MVP.

6:50 p.m.: Houston has announced its inactives for tonight, headlined by quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Our inactives for #HOUvsBUF ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZHcaGwmHDf

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 20, 2025

6:48 p.m.: While Coleman headlines the Buffalo inactives, the offense will also be without receiver Curtis Samuel. Here’s the full list of Buffalo inactives for tonight’s game.

Tonight’s inactives for #BUFvsHOU. @UBMDOrtho | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/ZbyuThnXAB

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 20, 2025

6:45 p.m.: For the second straight week, Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman will be a healthy scratch.

Bills WR Keon Coleman is expected to be a healthy scratch for a second straight game, a source told ESPN’s @agetzenberg.https://t.co/zDtPSzA8Nc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2025

Coleman was spotted pregame talking with Bills minority owner Tracy McGrady before Thursday’s game. 

Bills minority stake owner Tracy McGrady and Keon Coleman have been talking for several minutes on the field pregame. pic.twitter.com/xXdAb5CMIv

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) November 20, 2025

5:54 p.m.: With kickoff a few hours away, let’s revisit Josh Allen’s first ever playoff game, which came against the Texans.

When Josh Allen scored a receiving TD in the 2019 Wild Card 😤

BUFvsHOU– Tonight 8:15pm ET on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/2O9IduVQkS

— NFL (@NFL) November 20, 2025

Allen, who was in his second year in the NFL, finished completing 24-of-46 passing for 264 yards, while adding 92 rushing yards on nine carries and a 16-yard receiving touchdown on a trick play. The Bills lost the game 22–19 in overtime after blowing a 16–0 lead.  

5:45 p.m.: Both teams have started arriving for tonight’s contest. Texans WR Nico Collins caught nine passes for 92 yards and a touchdown last time out against the Titans, and he looks to have another big day against the Buffalo secondary.

.@lbg_nico7 is ready for TNF 🔥 pic.twitter.com/55EzrABBqX

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 20, 2025Where to watch Bills vs. TexansBills vs. Texans start timeDate: Thursday, Nov. 20Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET