In an impressive showing to kick off the 2026 season, the Houston Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 24-7. With both teams looking to establish momentum early in the year, the Texans made a statement on their home turf, demonstrating a balanced attack and solid defense. Sam Darnold was the standout performer for Houston, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing precision and poise under pressure. Keaton Mitchell also made his mark, racking up 120 receiving yards, proving to be a reliable target in crucial moments. On the ground, James Cook III was the bright spot for Buffalo, amassing 118 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Texans' explosive offense. Defensively, the Texans were formidable, highlighted by Kyle Hamilton's two interceptions, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Houston's defense stifled Buffalo's attempts to mount a comeback, with Zaven Collins applying pressure and limiting scoring opportunities. The turning point came in the second quarter when Darnold connected with Mitchell for a touchdown that put the Texans up two scores, forcing the Bills to abandon their run-first strategy and play catch-up for the rest of the game.