Houston Shuts Down Buffalo in a 23–19 Thriller

HOUSTON — The Texans entered Thursday night with the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and they proved it again in a commanding 23–19 win over the Buffalo Bills.

This primetime matchup featured a powerful contrast:
One of the league’s top offenses vs. the league’s top defense.
Led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills came in averaging 29.2 points per game after scoring six touchdowns in their last outing. But the Texans’ defense — the best in points (16.4) and yards allowed (258) — shut them down.

Texans’ Defense Cripples Josh Allen

Eight Sacks. Three Takeaways. Game Over.

Houston’s defense delivered its most dominant performance of the season:

Key Defensive Highlights

• 8 sacks on Josh Allen — a career high for the Bills quarterback
• Safety Calen Bullock forced three turnovers:
  • Two interceptions
  • One forced fumble
• Bullock’s game-winning interception came with 24 seconds left
• Texans tied their single-game franchise sack record
• Houston pressured Allen on 33% of his dropbacks (15 of 45)

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair did not hold back:
“We definitely got the best defense in the league.”

Bullock’s Breakout Night on Prime Time

A Performance to Remember

Bullock posted the first multi-interception game of his career and nearly scored a pick-six before a penalty wiped it out.

Historic Note

Bullock became the first NFL player with 2 interceptions and a forced fumble in a regular-season game since Detroit’s Brian Branch in 2024.

His two picks moved him to third-most interceptions (9) in the league since 2024.

“A dream come true… the whole world watching,” Bullock told ESPN.

Defensive Line Sets the Tone

Houston’s pressure was relentless.
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter recorded:

• 5 pressures each
• 4.5 combined sacks

Coach DeMeco Ryans praised his defenders:
“When we play together, we’re tough to move the ball against.”

Wild Fourth-Quarter Drama

With the game on the line:

• Buffalo converted an unbelievable fourth-and-27 using a hook-and-lateral — the longest fourth-down conversion in a one-score fourth quarter since 2012.
• Moments later, Bullock sealed the win with his second interception.

Ryans said he felt “relief” and awarded Bullock the game ball.

Where the Texans Stand Now

Houston improves to 6–5.

ESPN Analytics Odds

• 35% chance to reach the playoffs
• 7% chance to win the AFC South

Despite the odds, Houston’s defense gives them a chance every week.

“We have that mindset — we are the best,” Bullock said.

Next Up

After a mini-bye, the Texans face the 8–2 Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 — a matchup that could shape the AFC South race after Houston’s 0–3 start.

Summary

The Texans delivered a statement win by shutting down one of the league’s hottest offenses. With eight sacks, three takeaways, and a game-saving interception, Houston’s defense showed why it ranks No. 1 in the NFL. Calen Bullock’s prime-time heroics and a relentless pass rush pushed the Texans back into playoff contention — and strengthened their claim as the league’s best defensive unit.

Original News Credit: https://www.espn.in/nfl/story/_/id/47045167/texans-defense-thumps-bills-stakes-claim-league-best