By Jordan Grim • November 21, 2025 • 04:55 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 21, 2025 • 04:55 AM (PDT)
The Houston Texans delivered one of their most forceful defensive performances of the 2025 season, handing the buffalo bills a tough 23-19 loss in Week 12. What was expected to be a clash between a high-powered Bills offense and a rising Houston unit quickly turned into a night where the Texans dictated nearly every major moment.
Houston’s defense came in with the best numbers in the league, and they played exactly like the top unit. The Texans sacked Josh Allen eight times, the highest single-game total the Bills quarterback has faced. That constant pressure led to two interceptions by Calen Bullock, who also forced a fumble and closed the game with a decisive late pick as Buffalo tried to mount a final push.
The buffalo bills, once seen as heavy contenders, slipped to 7-4 after losing four of their last seven games. Houston moved up to 6-5 and continued climbing with its third straight win, even while missing starting quarterback CJ Stroud for the fourth week because of a concussion. Davis Mills stepped in again and kept Houston steady, finding Christian Kirk and Jayden Higgins for first-half touchdowns.
Buffalo’s biggest spark came from James Cook, who led all rushers with 116 yards and opened the game with a 45-yard touchdown run. The Bills found brief momentum through a 97-yard kick return touchdown by Ray Davis that pushed them ahead 16-13, but the Texans responded immediately. Mills connected with Higgins on an eight-yard score just seconds before halftime, setting the tone for the second half.
Houston’s defensive front kept the pressure rolling with 12 quarterback hits, a level that head coach Sean McDermott openly worried about after the game. Allen said he needed to make smarter choices, admitting that he held the ball too long on a few plays. Still, several sacks came within seconds, showing how aggressively the Texans defense attacked every dropback.
One of the most intense moments arrived late in the fourth quarter. The Bills converted an improbable fourth-and-27 with a hook-and-lateral play, keeping their hopes alive. But Bullock’s second interception moments later sealed the win and added to his growing reputation as one of the league’s most instinctive young safeties.
Houston’s defenders were open about how they view themselves after the win, calling this group the top defense in the league. With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combining for major pressure and Bullock leading the backfield, the Texans looked every bit like a playoff-caliber team. According to analytics, Houston now has a 35 percent chance to reach the postseason, and their schedule gives them meaningful chances to climb further.
The buffalo bills now face an in-form Steelers defense next week, hoping to protect Allen better and regain momentum. Meanwhile, the Texans prepare for a critical matchup against the division-leading Colts, a game that could shift the AFC South race heading into December.
