Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans Preview
The Buffalo Bills face a rough start to their latest bid to win the Super Bowl for the first time as they visit the Houston Texans in week 1.
After another heartbreaking end to the 2025 campaign, in which quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions, including one in overtime, in a 33-30 divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos, the Bills made a coaching change, with Sean McDermott let go and offensive coordinator Joe Brady promoted to the job.
The Bills also handed Allen another weapon as they traded with the Chicago Bears for veteran wide receiver DJ Moore.
Moore’s arrival gives Allen arguably the most well-rounded group of skill players the 2024 MVP has had during his time in Western New York, but it may be difficult to find immediate success against a heavily-studded Texans defense.
Allen has played on the road against the Texans four times in his career and has lost all of those matchups, including a loss in the Wild Cards round of the 2019 playoffs.
The Texans won this game 23-19 last season, a game that saw Allen sack a remarkable eight times.
Houston’s ultra-aggressive defense will hope to pose similar problems for Allen and the Bills this time around. The concern for the hosts surrounds the supporting cast of quarterback CJ Stroud, who enters the season with a lot of scrutiny surrounding him after his four-interception performance in the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots in the final quarter.
Stroud has already lost a key weapon with wide receiver Jayden Higgins out for the season with a torn ACL. The Texans acquired Kayshon Boutte from the Patriots to compensate for the loss of Higgins, but much of their offense will likely run through top receiver Nico Collins.
Despite not having great depth at the skill positions, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans believes Stroud is ready to silence his doubters and show the progress he’s made this offseason.
“What I like about CJ’s growth and his progress is that it’s been consistent,” Ryans said.
“He’s been consistent. He’s continued to grow. Just watching him grow as a leader, watching how he’s operating on offense, I’m excited to watch him just play.
“There’s a lot of talk about CJ. He’s done a great job the last three years. We’ve made the playoffs every year because we’ve had a talented young quarterback take us to the playoffs.
“I’m thankful to have him at quarterback. He’s done a great job for us. He’s taken a big step this year and now it’s time to go teach them.”