The Buffalo Bills are familiar with the Lone Star State, as they prepare to face the Houston Texans for the third consecutive year in their 2026 season opener. However, history favors the Texans, who have defeated the Bills in their last four home matchups.

As the Texans look to continue their home dominance, head coach DeMeco Ryans believes his team can secure another victory against the perennial AFC title contenders. The Texans' formidable defense has consistently troubled the Bills since Ryans took over, and recent changes on offense suggest they might keep pace with Buffalo.

Key details for the matchup include:

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston
• TV: CBS
• Odds: Bills -1.5, O/U 44.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook

Key Storylines

• Josh Allen's Struggles: The Bills quarterback is winless in four games in Houston, with only two touchdowns to show for his efforts. In contrast, he dominated the Texans in 2021, leading to a 40-0 victory in Buffalo.

• Texans' Elite Defense: Houston boasts one of the NFL's top defenses, ranking in the top six for total and scoring defense last season. The duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is particularly fearsome.

• Joe Brady's Coaching Debut: The former Bills offensive coordinator begins his first season as a head coach, hoping to leverage his connection with Allen to enhance the offense.

• Houston's Offensive Rebound: After a disappointing end to last season, including four interceptions thrown by C.J. Stroud, the Texans have revamped their offensive line to improve protection and boost the running game with newcomer David Montgomery.

• Buffalo's New Defense: With new coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills aim to improve a defense that struggled last season, particularly against the run.

Prediction

The Texans have shown they can beat the Bills even with backup quarterbacks. If C.J. Stroud performs effectively, the Texans can secure a season-opening win. The prediction stands at Texans 24, Bills 20.