Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have never beaten the Texans in Houston. The two games over the past two seasons have been nightmares for Josh Allen. The MVP-caliber quarterback has been tortured when playing the Texans. There has been just enough from the Texans on offense to survive and win both those games.
The Bills hope things are different with some players available that missed the previous matchup and some changes on their coaching staff. The Texans have reason to believe they’ll be better.
Here are seven ways this game differs from last year.
C.J. Stroud is Playing
Stroud missed last year’s game due to a concussion. He might have played in the game had it been on Sunday instead of Thursday.
Stroud statistically lit up Buffalo in 2024. He threw for 331 yards and one touchdown. The Texans jumped out to a 14-3 lead. The offense sputtered after the hot start despite Stroud’s performance. They managed just three field goals the rest of the game. Davis Mills and the offense sputtered in the second half last year. They cobbled together just one field goal in the second half.
It doesn’t feel like a second-half sputter is as survivable, so the offense needs to pull their weight. That’s easier when the franchise quarterback is playing.
