Preview for Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans

The Buffalo Bills face a difficult start to their latest bid to win the Super Bowl for the first time as they visit the Houston Texans in Week 1.

After another heartbreaking finish to the 2025 campaign, which saw quarterback Josh Allen throw two interceptions — including one in overtime — in a 33-30 Divisional Round defeat to the Denver Broncos, the Bills made a coaching change, with Sean McDermott let go and offensive coordinator Joe Brady promoted to the top job.

The Bills also handed Allen another weapon as they struck a trade with the Chicago Bears for veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore.

Moore’s arrival gives Allen arguably the most well-rounded group of skill players the 2024 MVP has had during his time in Western New York, but immediate success may be difficult to come by against a much-vaunted Texans defense.

Allen has played on the road against the Texans four times in his career, and has lost all of those matchups, including a defeat in the Wild Card Round of the 2019 playoffs.

The Texans won this match 23-19 last season, a game that saw Allen sacked a remarkable eight times.

Houston’s ultra-aggressive defense will hope to pose Allen and the Bills similar problems this time around. The concern for the hosts surrounds the supporting cast for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who enters the season with plenty of scrutiny around him following his four-interception performance in the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots last term.

Stroud has already lost a key weapon with wide receiver Jayden Higgins out for the season with a torn ACL. The Texans acquired Kayshon Boutte from the Patriots to compensate for the loss of Higgins, but much of their attack will likely go through top receiver Nico Collins.

Despite not having great depth at the skill positions, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans believes Stroud is ready to silence his doubters and display the progress he has made this offseason right off the bat.

“What I love about C.J.’s growth and his progress is he’s been steady,” Ryans said.

“He’s been consistent. He’s continued to grow. Just seeing him grow as a leader, seeing the way he’s operating in the offense, I’m fired up to see him just go play.

“There’s a lot being said about C.J. He’s done a great job the past three years. We’ve made the playoffs every year because we’ve had a talented young quarterback who’s led us to the playoffs.

“I’m thankful to have him as our quarterback. He’s done a great job for us. He’s taken a huge step this year in growth and now it’s time to go show them.”