For the third consecutive year, the Bills hit the road to square off against the Houston Texans, but history is not on their side in this Week 1 clash between reigning postseason teams. Each of their last four trips to Houston ended in defeat. Can the Texans keep their home dominance against the Bills rolling?
There is plenty of reason to believe that DeMeco Ryans' crew can open their 2026 campaign with yet another win over the perennial AFC title contenders. Their overwhelming defense has been a problem for Buffalo ever since Ryans took the job, and a few personnel changes on offense suggest the offense can keep pace with the unit on the other side of the ball. The side that comes away victorious from this marquee opener will start the year with one of the NFL's most impressive early-season wins.
To defeat a fellow Super Bowl hopeful right out of the gate is exactly how these teams can assert themselves as top-flight candidates to run the conference. Not only did the Texans extend their reign of dominance over the Bills the last time these teams met in Houston, but they also did so with a backup quarterback at the helm. If Stroud can be at least as effective as Davis Mills was in the 23-19 victory last November, then the blueprint exists for this to turn into a season-opening win.
Buffalo surrendered eight sacks and three turnovers in that contest, and nearly the exact same offense rolls into town in 2026. New wide receiver DJ Moore cannot right that many wrongs.
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