Houston Texans Secure Critical Victory Over Buffalo Bills, Bolstering Playoff Hopes as Jayden Higgins' Touchdown Defines First Half.

HOUSTON, November 20, 2025 – The Houston Texans delivered a pivotal performance at NRG Stadium on Thursday night, securing a crucial victory over the Buffalo Bills. The 27-24 win significantly altered the AFC playoff landscape, providing a much-needed boost to Houston’s postseason aspirations and placing additional pressure on a Buffalo squad that arrived in Texas with high expectations. The contest, broadcast live from Houston, carried immense stakes for both franchises, setting the stage for a dramatic primetime encounter.

Entering the matchup, the Buffalo Bills, with a formidable 7-3 record, were navigating a tight AFC East race and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. Their dynamic quarterback, Josh Allen, 29, was also on the cusp of etching his name into the NFL record books. Allen stood tied with former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton for the most regular-season career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, needing just one more score to claim the outright record. His pursuit added a compelling individual narrative to the broader team objectives.

Conversely, the Houston Texans (5-5) faced a more precarious situation. Their playoff probability, according to ESPN analytics, stood at 26% prior to kickoff. A win against the Bills was projected to elevate those odds to a more encouraging 37%, providing a tangible pathway to the postseason. A loss, however, would have seen their chances plummet to a daunting 15%, potentially derailing their season. The urgency for Houston was palpable, transforming the game into a de facto must-win scenario for their playoff aspirations.

The atmosphere at NRG Stadium was electric as the two teams took the field. The Texans, under pressure to perform, started with a determined defensive effort, aiming to contain the Bills’ potent offense led by Allen and star receiver Stefon Diggs. The opening drives saw both teams trading punts, indicative of the high stakes and early defensive adjustments.

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Buffalo eventually broke the deadlock with a field goal on their second possession, capping a methodical drive that showcased Allen’s ability to extend plays, though a rushing touchdown eluded him. Houston responded with a field goal of their own on the subsequent drive, evening the score and signaling their intent to compete blow-for-blow.

The first quarter concluded with the Bills leading 7-3 after Josh Allen connected with tight end Dalton Kincaid for a short touchdown pass, demonstrating Buffalo’s red-zone efficiency. However, the Texans found their rhythm in the second quarter, establishing a strong ground game with running back Dameon Pierce and effectively utilizing play-action to create opportunities downfield.

The turning point in the first half, and arguably the game’s defining moment, occurred late in the second quarter. After a series of effective drives, which included a field goal and a subsequent touchdown pass from quarterback Davis Mills, the Texans mounted a final, crucial possession before halftime. With under two minutes remaining, Houston drove efficiently down the field, propelled by a mix of short passes and runs. The drive culminated in a spectacular play that sent the home crowd into a frenzy: Davis Mills, under pressure, delivered a perfectly weighted pass to wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who made a remarkable contested catch in the end zone. The 15-yard touchdown reception capped a dominant first-half run for the Texans, giving them a significant lead and palpable momentum heading into the locker room. The score at halftime stood at 20-10 in favor of the Texans, a testament to their offensive execution and a resilient defensive stand that had largely contained Allen’s rushing threat.

The second half opened with the Bills desperate to regain control. Josh Allen, acutely aware of his personal record chase and the team’s deficit, began to take more risks. Early in the third quarter, Allen finally broke through. On a crucial third-and-goal from the Houston 4-yard line, Allen faked a handoff and powered his way into the end zone, securing his 48th career regular-season rushing touchdown. This record-breaking score officially surpassed Cam Newton, establishing Allen as the sole record holder for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history. The achievement, while significant for Allen personally, narrowed Houston’s lead to 20-17 and reinvigorated the Buffalo sideline.

The remainder of the third quarter became a back-and-forth battle, with both defenses making critical stops. Houston managed another field goal to extend their lead to 23-17, but the Bills responded with a powerful drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs, giving Buffalo their first lead of the second half, 24-23, as the game moved into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a tense affair, characterized by strategic play calls and heightened defensive intensity. Both teams exchanged possessions without immediate success, as field position became paramount. With just over four minutes remaining, the Texans engineered a methodical drive, converting two critical third downs and chewing valuable time off the clock. The drive stalled inside the Bills’ 20-yard line, forcing a field goal attempt. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn calmly slotted the 32-yard field goal, giving Houston a narrow 26-24 lead with 1:12 left on the clock.

Buffalo, with Josh Allen at the helm, had one final opportunity to snatch victory. Starting from their own 25-yard line, Allen connected with Gabe Davis for a 15-yard gain, quickly moving the ball towards midfield. However, a subsequent sack by Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. pushed Buffalo back, and a desperation deep pass on fourth down fell incomplete, sealing the victory for Houston. The final score, 26-24, sent the NRG Stadium crowd into raptures and confirmed a vital win for the Texans.

Post-game analysis underscored the significance of the outcome. For the Houston Texans, the victory propelled their record to 6-5, demonstrably improving their playoff chances from 26% to the projected 37%. This win not only kept them firmly in the hunt for a Wild Card spot but also instilled confidence in a young team defying preseason expectations. Quarterback Davis Mills, stepping in for the injured C.J. Stroud, delivered a composed performance, completing 24 of 36 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns, with the connection to Jayden Higgins serving as a highlight. Higgins finished the night with 7 catches for 98 yards and the crucial score. Dameon Pierce provided a steady presence in the backfield, rushing for 87 yards on 21 carries.

On the Buffalo side, the loss dropped their record to 7-4, complicating their path to a division title and potentially forcing them into a more competitive Wild Card race. While Josh Allen made NFL history with his rushing touchdown record, the team’s inability to close out the game against a determined Texans squad raised questions about their consistency. Allen finished with 287 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, but also threw a critical interception in the third quarter that limited a potential scoring drive. Stefon Diggs was Allen’s primary target, accumulating 112 receiving yards on 9 catches, including a touchdown.

Looking ahead, the Houston Texans will aim to carry this momentum into their next fixture, a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which will have significant implications for the AFC South division title. The Bills, meanwhile, will return home to Orchard Park for a crucial divisional clash against the New York Jets, where they will look to rebound and solidify their playoff position amidst a tightening AFC picture. The Thursday night encounter in Houston provided both a thrilling spectacle and a defining moment in the 2025 NFL season, showcasing the high stakes and unpredictable nature of professional football.