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article <\/p>\n article <\/p>\n
The Houston Texans let a late lead slip away on Sunday, falling to the Buffalo Bills 36-31 in a thrilling season opener.<\/p>\n
Houston had won six consecutive home games against Buffalo before the loss.<\/p>\n
Bills rally late behind Josh Allen\u2019s game-winning drive <\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
The Texans led 31-30 after Ka\u2019imi Fairbairn made a 58-yard field goal with 6:44 remaining. Buffalo answered with a 96-yard drive, capped by Josh Allen\u2019s 34-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with 1:36 left.<\/p>\n
Houston had one final opportunity, but C.J. Stroud was sacked twice on the final possession. His second sack resulted in a fumble that Buffalo recovered with 16 seconds remaining, ending the comeback attempt.<\/p>\n
Turnovers cost Texans <\/p>\n
Dig deeper:<\/p>\n
David Montgomery powered Houston\u2019s offense with three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving. Stroud finished with 274 yards passing and two touchdowns, including a 12-yard scoring pass to Nico Collins in the final seconds of the first half.<\/p>\n
But the Texans lost the turnover battle. Stroud fumbled twice, and Buffalo recovered both. The Bills did not commit a turnover.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-1282162862.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
File photo. (Photo by Logan Riely\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“The offense put up way more points than needed for us to win this game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game.<\/p>\n
Houston defensive concerns <\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
The loss also raised questions about Houston\u2019s defense, which allowed Buffalo to score 36 points despite several strong moments. Allen helped lead the Bills with touchdown runs and a late touchdown drive that secured the victory.<\/p>\n
Houston will try to rebound next week when it hosts Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information in this article was provided by live coverage of the Houston Texans. Additional information in this article was provided by FOX 26’s Lenard Davis Jr.<\/p>\n
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