(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
The Houston Texans love the theatrics.
A week after C.J. Stroud threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds remaining against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ka’imi Fairbairn drained a 59-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium.
The Texans improved to 4-1 and 3-0 at home before hitting the road for two games. Stroud, a favorite to win the MVP, threw for 331 yards and a touchdown while completing 73.7 percent of his passes.
THESE ARE THE MOMENTS 🤘 pic.twitter.com/bfHq2y31l4
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2024
Houston jumped out to an early 17-6 lead entering halftime thanks to a pair of touchdowns from Cam Akers and Nico Collins. Fairbairn, who became the Texans’ all-time leader in points, also drilled a 50-yard field goal to close out the second quarter.
But Josh Allen and the Bills never broke despite bending their will. They rallied to outscore the Texans 17-3 in the second half. Keon Coleman’s 49-yard reception on fourth-and-5 put Buffalo within three with 4:20 remaining in the third quarter.
Allen, who entered Sunday as the MVP favorite, was 9 of 30 for 131 yards and picked up another 54 with his legs. He evaded a sack on third down with 3:18 remaining to set up a 33-yard field goal for Tyler Bass.
The Texans had a chance to put the game out of reach midway through the fourth quarter and were driving after back-to-back first-down gains. Stroud tried to find Stefon Diggs for first down, but the pass was intercepted by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard.
FROM THE H, FOR THE H 🤘 pic.twitter.com/2TgRhBXsuU
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2024
On the ensuing drive, defensive end Dawuane Smoot’s strip-sack of Stroud on third down gave Buffalo the ball at the 15-yard line. Allen left on the previous drive to be evaluated for a concussion, yet somehow managed to return to set up the Bass field goal.
Robert Woods returned a punt 13 yards to put Houston at midfield after the defense forced a three-and-out. Dare Ogunbowale had a 5-yard run to set up Fairbairn for the game-winner.
After drilling a 61-yard field goal earlier this season, a 59-yarder felt like a chip shot.
Diggs, who was traded to Houston this offseason after spending four seasons with the Bills, finished with a team-leading six receptions for 82 yards.
The sliding catch from Diggs 😮💨
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ToEPf9sUhF
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2024
Collins, who entered Saturday as the NFL’s leading receiver, caught two passes for 78 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter before leaving with a hamstring injury.
The Texans travel to face off against the New England Patriots next Sunday at noon CT.
