In perhaps the most anticipated game on the NFL‘s Week 5 slate, the Houston Texans defeated Buffalo Bills, 23-20. In this battle of contenders, the Texans improve to 4-1 while the Bills drop to 3-2. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s Bills-Texans game, including the stat leaders, box score, and a game recap.
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans Box Score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Bills | 3 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 20 |
| Texans | 14 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
Bills-Texans Stat Leaders
Leading Passers
Josh Allen: 9-of-30 for 131 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions
C.J. Stroud: 28-of-38 for 331 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception
Leading Rushers
James Cook: 20 carries for 82 yards and 1 touchdown
Josh Allen: 4 carries for 54 yards
Cam Akers: 9 carries for 42 yards and 1 touchdown
Leading Receivers
Stefon Diggs: 6 receptions for 82 yards
Nico Collins: 2 receptions for 78 yards and 1 touchdown
Keon Coleman: 1 reception for 49 yards and 1 touchdown
Dalton Kincaid: 2 receptions for 34 yards
Bills-Texans Game Recap
Houston got off to a strong start, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. After Cam Akers’ 15-yard touchdown run, Nico Collins got in on the fun with a 67-yard touchdown reception.
Collins was the only player in the NFL with 70+ receiving yards in each of the first four games this season, and he recorded 78 yards in the first quarter alone.
Texans WR Nico Collins was the only player with 70+ receiving yards in each of the first four weeks.
He has 78 yards in the first quarter today and this TD. 🚀pic.twitter.com/LbErau6GEE
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
Unfortunately, Collins injured his hamstring on the touchdown catch, and he went back to the locker room. Shortly after, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. This is a huge loss for Houston, as Collins has arguably been the best wide receiver in the NFL so far this season.
Josh Allen had a very quiet first quarter, with just one completion and 34 total yards. This comes after he averaged -0.37 EPA per dropback in last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, his worst mark in any game over the last five seasons. He led the NFL with 0.55 EPA per dropback from Weeks 1-3.
However, in the third quarter, the Bills got going. James Cook rushed for a five-yard touchdown. Also, Allen connected with rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman on a 49-yard touchdown.
After struggling in the first half and trailing 20-3, Buffalo came out firing to make this a three-point game entering the fourth quarter. Buffalo’s defense also stepped up, picking off C.J. Stroud and then forcing a fumble that they recovered as well.
During the fourth quarter, Allen had to exit the game at one point after taking a hit that caused his helmet to slam against the turf. Fortunately, after a trip to the medical tent, Allen was able to reenter the game.
The Bills had several opportunities to win this game and they could have forced overtime, but some questionable, overly aggressive play calls late in the contest forced the Bills to punt from their own end zone. This gave the Texans excellent field position and allowed Ka’imi Fairbairn to drill the 60-yard game-winner.
Next Sunday, the Texans will face the New England Patriots on the road as they look to advance to 5-1.
Meanwhile, the Bills will face the New York Jets on the road next week on Monday Night Football.
