Texans Surging Toward Playoffs After Defensive Masterclass in Win Over Bills

Texans Surging Toward Playoffs After Defensive Masterclass in Win Over Bills

Texans Surging Toward Playoffs After Defensive Masterclass in Win Over Bills

Why it matters: Houston took a major step toward securing a playoff spot on Thursday night, defeating the Buffalo Bills 23–19 and continuing a midseason turnaround that once looked unlikely.

The big picture: Now 6–5, the Texans are capitalizing on the culture and consistency established under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Since taking over in the 2023–24 season, Ryans has produced a 28–21 record—making him the only Texans coach besides Bill O’Brien (54–52) with a winning mark.

Catch up quick:

Houston opened the year 0–3 before responding with a dominant shutout of the Tennessee Titans.
The team then went 2–2 over the next four games before QB C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion during a Week 9 loss to the Broncos.
With the offense already struggling, the Texans fell into another losing stretch—until backup quarterback Davis Mills stepped in and delivered back-to-back wins.

The latest: Mills led Houston to its third straight victory Thursday as the Texans defense overwhelmed Buffalo. Houston sacked Josh Allen eight times, the unit’s highest total this season.

What they’re saying:
“The defense was staying disciplined,” defensive end Danielle Hunter said. “We did a good job all around together.”

The intrigue: Houston’s offense ranks just 21st in scoring (22 points per game), and the loss of running back Joe Mixon to a season-ending foot injury hasn’t helped. But the Texans defense is elite, allowing an NFL-best 16.3 points per game.

What we’re watching: C.J. Stroud’s availability for next week’s key AFC South matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.