The Houston Texans pushed their record above .500 for the first time of the 2025 NFL season with a 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on ‘Thursday Night Football.’
Houston earned the victory thanks to a superb defensive effort. The unit generated relentless pressure on Josh Allen throughout Thursday’s game, with Will Anderson (2.5 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (2 sacks) seemingly rattling the reigning NFL MVP.
Overall, the Texans sacked Allen eight times. He lost a whopping 70 yards because of those plays, which worked to keep Buffalo behind the chains for most of the evening.
The win marked Houston’s third consecutive, all of which have been started by backup quarterback Davis Mills. The fifth-year veteran got off to a slow start against the Bills, completing just 1 of his first 7 passes, but threw a couple of touchdown passes in the second quarter to keep the Texans in the back-and-forth game.
Mills has now won all three of his starts in place of the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion), and has breathed life back into the Texans, who are just a half-game back in the AFC wild-card race after their latest victory.
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates on score changes, highlights, and notable injuries throughout ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 12.
Bills-Texans TNF takeaways
- The Texans’ defense is the league’s best: The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles could also stake a claim to this title, but the Texans’ performance against Josh Allen should put them at No. 1. Houston pressured Allen relentlessly, sacking him eight times and limiting the Bills to just 12 offensive points. The Texans have the league’s No. 1 defense in terms of EPA per play, and they have proven they can shut down even the league’s best quarterbacks. They will be a tough out if they can manage to claw their way into the AFC playoffs amid their hot streak.
- Davis Mills is a strong backup quarterback in the NFL: The Texans had to rely on Mills to start three games with C.J. Stroud out of action due to a concussion. The fifth-year veteran led Houston to a 3-0 record across those games. Mills wasn’t always explosive – he completed 16 of 30 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills – but he largely avoided mistakes and was able to lead the Texans to an impressive, fourth-quarter comeback against the Jaguars in what was basically a must-win game. Houston has to be happy it has him behind Stroud.
- The Bills desperately need another receiver to step up: Buffalo was without Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and Keon Coleman (healthy scratch) against the Texans. That made Allen’s job harder, as he had to lean a lot on Khalil Shakir against a top-tier Houston pass defense. Shakir did very well, recording eight catches for 110 yards, but no other wide receiver recorded more than two catches. To emerge as a true Super Bowl contender, the Bills need another receiving option to play at a higher level. Coleman is probably the best bet to achieve that goal if he can get back into the good graces of the Buffalo coaching staff.
- Joe Brady very nearly willed the Bills to a win: Brady deserves a ton of credit for his play call on a fourth-and-27 on Buffalo’s final drive. It seemed like the Texans had the Bills dead to rights, but Brady dialed up a hook-and-ladder-type play with Josh Palmer and Khalil Shakir that confused Houston’s defense. Buffalo converted and nearly had a chance to win as a result of the brilliant call.
Josh Allen stats vs. Texans
- 23-of-34 (67.6% completion rate)
- 253 passing yards
- 0 passing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 67.4 passer rating
- 5 rushing attempts
- 20 rushing yards
- 0 rushing touchdowns
James Cook stats vs. Texans
- 17 rushing attempts
- 116 rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 3 receptions (3 targets)
- 13 receiving yards
- 0 receiving touchdowns
Davis Mills stats vs. Bills
- 16-of-30 (53.3% completion rate)
- 153 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 90.0 passer rating
- 2 rushing attempts
- 4 rushing yards
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Nico Collins stats vs. Bills
- 3 receptions (3 targets)
- 55 receiving yards
- 0 receiving touchdowns
Texans vs. Bills highlights
Bills-Texans final score: Texans 23, Bills 19
Josh Allen throws game-ending interception on fourth down
The Bills came up short in their bid for a game-winning drive. Allen was pressured on fourth-and-6 and was forced to heave up a desperation pass downfield. His throw came up short, and Caleb Bullock made his second interception of the night.
Davis Mills will just need to take a knee to give the Texans a much-needed 23-19 win.
Buffalo converts fourth-and-27 with trick play
Joe Brady and the Bills dialed up a perfect play call on fourth-and-27. Josh Allen completed a pass to Josh Palmer, and the veteran flipped the ball back to Khalil Shakir while both were coming across the field.
The Texans defense didn’t have leverage, as many defenders were guarding the deep ball down the field, and that allowed Shakir to easily get a first down.
Texans run four plays before being forced to punt
Houston got off to a good start after a 16-yard pass from Davis Mills to Jayden Higgins, but they couldn’t get another first down. Buffalo’s defense rallied to tackle on a couple of Mills checkdowns, so the Bills will get the ball back with 2:48 left in regulation.
Buffalo still has all three of its timeouts remaining but is trailing 23-19 and needs a touchdown to overtake the Texans.
Texans vs. Bills score: Bills settle for 38-yard field goal after Texans get more pressure on Josh Allen
After Khalil Shakir’s big play, Allen was immediately sacked, putting Buffalo in a tough spot against an aggressive Houston defense. The Texans once again pressured Allen on third-and-10 and forced him into a throwaway.
The Bills then opted to kick a field goal, which Matt Prater made from 38 yards away. That cut Buffalo’s deficit to 23-19 with 5:44 left in regulation. The Bills have all three of their timeouts remaining, giving them plenty of time to stop the Texans and try to mount a game-winning touchdown drive.
Josh Allen hits Khalil Shakir for 44-yard gain on third-and-12
The Texans put Allen and the Bills in a tough spot after a second-down sack. However, a well-designed play where Shakir performed a modified orbit motion coming in and out of the backfield got the team’s top receiver in space on third-and-long.
Shakir managed to make a man miss before running down the sideline for a 44-yard gain, putting the Bills on the edge of the red zone.
Bills force three-and-out after pressuring Davis Mills on third down
The Texans found themselves behind the sticks after a 1-yard run by Woody Marks and a drop by Cade Stover. The Bills then proceeded to get pressure on Mills, who barely got the ball back to the line of scrimmage as he threw it away.
Tommy Townsend hit a 47-yard punt, but it was more of a line-drive kick. That allowed Khalil Shakir to find space for an 11-yard return, giving the Bills the ball back at their own 38-yard line, trailing 23-16 with 9:09 left in regulation.
Texans stuff James Cook for loss on fourth-and-1
The Bills were facing a fourth-and-1 just outside the red-zone and opted to go for it, trailing by a touchdown with about 10 minutes left in regulation.
Rather than sneak it with Josh Allen as the team did earlier in the game, Buffalo opted to hand the ball to James Cook. The Texans were ready for it and tore him to the ground for a loss after getting quick penetration into the backfield.
Houston now has the ball, leading 23-16 with 10:09 left in the fourth quarter.
Texans leading Bills 23-16 after three quarters
Houston’s defense has given Buffalo’s offense fits outside of the team’s first drive of the game. Since James Cook’s 45-yard touchdown, the Bills have been unable to consistently put together drives, scoring just six offensive points as Josh Allen has been under constant pressure.
The Texans have racked up four sacks against Allen and have forced the star quarterback to lose a whopping 41 yards on those hits. The reigning MVP has still been efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 122 yards but has also tossed an interception and has only gained six rushing yards on four carries.
Allen was sacked on the final play of the third quarter, setting up a second-and-long to open the fourth quarter. He will need to get into rhythm quickly to give the Bills a chance to pull off a comeback.
Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes third field goal to give Texans 23-16 lead
The Texans offense continues to be plagued by penalties, but they managed to turn the Bills’ turnover into points. Fairbairn came on to attempt a 26-yard field goal after Davis Mills and Co. couldn’t get into the end zone, and the veteran was able to max the chip shot with ease.
The Texans are now leading 23-16 and figure to take that lead into the fourth quarter, as 17 seconds remain in the third.
NFL referee carted off after non-contact injury
Adrian Hill, the head referee for tonight’s game, suffered an injury in the third quarter of the contest and will not continue.
The injury occurred on a Bills punt midway through the third quarter. Hill was standing behind the play in the end-zone and pulled up and reached for his left leg after trying to run.
Hill’s injury was non-contact, and he was helped off the field by medical staff on hand for the game. He was unable to put much weight on his left leg, though he was seen standing on the sideline after getting off the field. He was eventually carted off.
Khalil Shakir loses fumble after third-down catch
The Bills were positioned to gain a first down after Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir on a third-down pass. However, Houston punched the ball out of Shakir’s hands, forcing a fumble and recovering it.
The Texans will take over with the ball already well within field goal range.
Texans and Bills continue to trade punts
Neither Houston nor Buffalo has been able to build offensive momentum in the third quarter. The Texans got into a fourth-and-short situation just outside of field goal range. Originally, it looked like they might fake a punt, but a false start penalty made them actually kick it deep.
The Bills are once again pinned deep and will look to get at least one first down as they try to flip the field back in their favor.
Texans offense derailed by penalties, punt back to Bills
The Texans were whistled for a penalty on their first offensive play of the second half. That was one of three they were flagged for after getting the ball, and the penalties ultimately prevented them from gaining a first down.
Tommy Townsend hit a nice, 56-yard punt, and a negative-7-yard return by Khalil Shakir, coupled with a holding penalty on Buffalo, backed the Bills up to their own 9-yard line.
Terrell Bernard injury update
Bernard, one of the Bills’ starting linebackers and a team captain, suffered an apparent arm injury while making a tackle on Buffalo’s first defensive drive of the half. He remained down and was tended to by medical staff before walking into the locker room with assistance and favoring his right arm.
The Bills did not immediately provide an update on Bernard’s status
Josh Allen sacked for 18-yard loss as Texans force Bills punt
Allen and the Bills were facing a third-and-6 on their opening drive of the second half when the reigning NFL MVP tried to make a big play. He scrambled away from a Will Anderson sack and tried to get to the left side of the field before doubling back.
Ultimately, Allen wasn’t able to find an open receiver while running around, and Anderson brought him down. That forced Mitch Wishnowsky to come on to punt after the 18-yard loss.
Wishnowsky uncorked a 44-yarder and the Texans will get the ball at their own 31-yard line to open the second half after a fair catch.
Texans leading Bills 20-16 at halftime
The Texans started the game slowly on offense, but Davis Mills and Co. sprang to life in the second quarter. The veteran signal caller threw for two touchdowns and has now completed 11 of 21 passes for 122 yards after starting the game just 1 of 7 passing for 10 yards.
The Bills haven’t been as efficient as the Texans, as Buffalo has been outgained 201-155 over the first 30 minutes. They have had a couple of big plays, including a 97-yard Ray Davis kick return touchdown and a 45-yard James Cook touchdown scamper, but the Texans’ defense has done a decent job of keeping Josh Allen (11 of 15 passing, 88 yards, one interception) in check.
Buffalo will get the ball to open the second half, giving the Bills a quick chance to pull back in front of the Texans.
Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Jayden Higgins for TD with 5 seconds left in half
The Texans managed to answer the Bills with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Mills found Higgins open for an 8-yard touchdown after the rookie receiver was able to run through a hold by defensive back Cam Lewis.
Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point, and the Texans will likely take a 20-16 lead into halftime.
Texans vs. Bills score: Ray Davis notches 97-yard kick return touchdown to give Bills lead back
The Bills didn’t even have to go back on offense to retake the lead. Davis was able to take the ensuing kick return to the house after bouncing off his own man and finding a lane in the Texans’ coverage unit.
Matt Prater was able to make the extra point and the Bills are back in front, leading 16-13. The Texans will have 1:43 remaining in the first half (and all three of their timeouts) to cut into the deficit.
Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbarn makes 43-yard field goal to give Texans 13-9 lead
The Texans turned their interception of Allen into points. They couldn’t get a first down after a penalty wiped out their defensive touchdown, but Fairbairn split the uprights down the middle on his mid-range attempt.
The Texans are now leading 13-9 and the Bills will have 1:56 and two timeouts left to score before halftime.
Calen Bullock intercepts Josh Allen on first play of Bills drive
On their first defensive snap after taking their first lead, the Texans forced Allen into an interception. Azeez Al-Shaair was able to tip a pass and Bullock, a safety, was able to grab it and initially returned it for a touchdown.
However, an illegal blindside block against the Texans wiped out the score. Still, the team will get the ball immediately in field goal range, leading 10-9 with time winding down in the first half.
Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Christian Kirk for 2-yard touchdown to give Texans first lead
The Texans capped off a 12-play, 77-yard drive with a short pass from Mills to Kirk, as play action allowed the veteran receiver to get open in the end zone. Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point to give Houston its first lead of the day at 10-9.
Houston’s scoring drive was once again set up by some strong runs from Woody Marks and Nick Chubb, who have now combined for 62 yards on 11 carries in the opening frame. Five total players have carried the ball for the Texans (Davis Mills, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson all have one carry).
Texans convert fourth-and-1 with strong run from Woody Marks
Both teams have now converted a fourth-and-short early in Thursday’s game. The Texans were able to do so with Marks, who ran through slot cornerback Taron Johnson in the backfield and across the line to gain to give Houston a fresh set of downs.
Texans vs. Bills score: Matt Prater makes 44-yard field goal to extend Bills’ lead
Prater missed an extra point earlier in the game, but he was able to make a 44-yard field goal after the Bills stalled out on their third drive.
Buffalo did well to convert a fourth-and-2 on a pass from Josh Allen to Ty Johnson to get the team into field goal range. However, Will Anderson and Houston’s defensive line finally got some pressure on Allen, forcing him into a costly sack that set up the field goal.
The Bills are now leading 9-3 with 9:35 left in the second quarter.
Bills leading 6-3 after first quarter of ‘Thursday Night Football’
The Bills have moved the ball well on the Texans’ top-ranked defense, outgaining Houston 116-64 over the first 15 minutes and being bolstered by a 45-yard James Cook touchdown run.
The Texans have been able to run the ball with Woody Marks (six carries, 38 yards) and Nick Chubb (three carries, 16 yards) but they have struggled through the air. Davis Mills has completed just 1 of 8 passes for 10 yards to open the game.
Josh Allen injury update: Bills QB returns to field after suffering apparent injury
Allen appeared to get hurt at the end of Buffalo’s second drive. However, he is injury wasn’t serious, as he was able to return to the field for the first snap of the team’s third drive.
Amazon’s sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung reported Allen had the Bills’ training staff work on his left elbow for what looked like the equivalent of turf burn.
Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes 24-yard field goal to cut into Buffalo lead
The Texans’ second drive was much better than their first, as Woody Marks and Nick Chubb were able to run the ball well against the Bills’ porous run defense. However, the Texans couldn’t convert their 54-yard drive into a touchdown, as Christian Kirk couldn’t haul in a well-thrown pass from Davis Mills on third-and-goal.
Houston trotted Fairbairn onto the field to attempt the 24-yard chip shot as a result. The veteran kicker made the kick with ease, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 6-3 with 4:32 left in the first quarter.
Texans vs. Bills score: James Cook rips off 45-yard touchdown run
The Bills were facing a third-and-inches from the Texans’ 45-yard line when fullback Reggie Gilliam sprung Cook with a great block on linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir. Cook was able to hit the hole and build up to speed quickly, outrunning Houston’s defense to get the Bills on the board with an early touchdown.
Matt Prater’s extra point, however, was no good, so the Bills’ early lead will be 6-0.
Josh Allen leaps for first down on fourth-and-1 carry
The Bills decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 on their opening drive from deep in their own territory. Josh Allen, who is listed at 6-5, 237 pounds, was able to leap over the defense with ease, and a shove from fullback Reggie Gilliam allowed the Bills to easily keep their drive alive.
Texans open game with three-and-out
Davis Mills got off to a slow start on his first drive, though it wasn’t entirely his fault. His first pass was dropped by tight end Cade Stover while he was pressured heavily by Joey Bosa before overthrowing Jayden Higgins down the field.
Tommy Townsend’s punt traveled 43 yards but a 10-yard holding penalty on the Bills will cause Buffalo to start the game from its own 19-yard line.
What channel is Texans vs Bills on Monday Night Football?
- TV channel (national): N/A
- TV channel (Buffalo market): ABC 7 WKBW
- TV channel (Houston market): FOX 26 KRIV
The Texans vs. Bills matchup will not air on TV, as it will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers in the Buffalo market can watch via ABC, while those in the Houston TV market can catch it on Fox.
Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime
What time is Texans vs Bills on Thursday Night Football tonight?
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT
The Texans and Bills are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. Buffalo travels to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas to take on Houston.
Texans vs. Bills live stream
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)
Amazon Prime Video will air the Jets-Patriots ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can use Fubo to watch the matchup.
Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime
Texans vs Bills prediction
The Texans still don’t have their starting quarterback, with Stroud still in concussion protocol. The Bills’ starting quarterback is coming off one of the most impressive games of his career with six total touchdowns. Houston backup Davis Mills may be 2-0, but this Buffalo team is a step above the inconsistent Jacksonville Jaguars and several steps above the 1-9 Tennessee Titans. The Bills’ offense will have its work cut out for them against a Texans defense that ranks among the best in the league, but Buffalo is ultimately the better team with Stroud still missing from Houston’s offense.
Prediction: Bills 17, Texans 14
Texans vs Bills live betting odds, moneyline, O/U
Texans inactives vs. Bills
Bills inactives vs. Texans
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Bills schedule 2025
Texans schedule 2025
Bills at Texans injury report
AFC East standings
The Bills enter ‘Thursday Night Football’ in second place in the AFC East. Here’s how the division stacks up:
- New England Patriots (9-2)
- Buffalo Bills (7-3)
- Miami Dolphins (4-7)
- New York Jets (2-8)
AFC South standings
The Texans enter Week 12 in third place in the AFC South standings.
- Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
- Houston Texans (5-5)
- Tennessee Titans (1-9)
AFC playoff picture
- Denver Broncos (9-2; AFC West leaders)
- New England Patriots (9-2; AFC East leaders)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-2; AFC South leaders)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4; AFC North leaders)
- Buffalo Bills (7-3; wild card No. 1)
- Los Angeles Chargers (7-4; wild card No. 2)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4; wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Houston Texans (5-5), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), Baltimore Ravens (5-5), Miami Dolphins (4-7), Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
NFC playoff picture
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-2; NFC East leaders)
- Los Angeles Rams (8-2; NFC West leaders)
- Chicago Bears (7-3; NFC North leaders)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4; NFC South leaders)
- Seattle Seahawks (7-3; wild card No. 1)
- Green Bay Packers (6-3-1; wild card No. 2)
- San Francisco 49ers (7-4; wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (6-4), Carolina Panthers (6-5), Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1), Minnesota Vikings (4-6), Arizona Cardinals (3-7), Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
NFL MVP odds
Here’s how the top five look entering Week 12:
- 5. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
- 4. RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (+750)
- 3. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+450)
- 2. QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (+175)
- 1. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+135)
Who is the Texans backup quarterback?
With C.J. Stroud missing his third consecutive game because of a concussion, the Texans will be turning to Davis Mills as their starter. That will leave rookie Graham Mertz to serve as the team’s backup quarterback behind Mills.
Mertz was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and spent his six-year college career at Wisconsin and Florida. His best season came in 2023 with the Gators, when he completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Mertz played in just five games as a super-senior, completing 76.6% of his passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.
Who is Josh Allen married to?
Josh Allen is married to actress Hailee Steinfeld. The two were wed during the 2025 NFL offseason in California.
Steinfeld is best known for her roles in True Grit, The Edge of Seventeen, the Pitch Perfect movies and, most recently, Sinners.
Houston Texans uniforms tonight
The Texans are wearing their ‘Battle Red’ alternate uniforms for their ‘Thursday Night Football’ game against the Buffalo Bills.
The uniforms include an all-red ensemble, from the helmet to the cleats, but still include the team’s classic ‘bullhead’ logo as part of its design.
