Josh Allen rebounded from a disappointing playoff exit with a stellar performance, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 36-31 victory over the Houston Texans in their season opener. The win also marked the head coaching debut for new Bills coach Joe Brady.
Allen passed for 334 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for two scores, accounting for all four of the Bills' touchdowns in the game. This performance against a formidable Texans defense, which ranked among the league's best against the pass and second in points allowed last season, sends a strong message that the Bills remain Super Bowl contenders for 2026. The 36 points scored by Buffalo were the most the Texans defense had allowed since 2023.
"We do like Reliant Stadium, woo-hoo!" Allen said after the game. "It feels good. It feels good to start the season off right. Obviously coach Joe getting his first win as an NFL head coach ... really happy for him. [He] called a heck of a game."
Allen's performance on Sunday was a stark contrast to his last outing, a playoff loss to the Denver Broncos in which he turned the ball over four times, including a crucial interception that aided the Broncos' game-winning drive. While Allen has taken responsibility for that loss, the narrative that he couldn't lead his team to a Super Bowl had begun to grow.
In Sunday's game, Allen recorded his 26th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime, the most in the league since 2018, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and overcome past disappointments. He also acknowledged his teammates' contributions: "It's the players that we got, man. Our guys made some great plays."