Texans Take a 20-16 Lead at Halftime
Thursday Night Football delivered a surprising first half as the Houston Texans hold a 20-16 edge over the Buffalo Bills at the break. The game showcased a mixed bag of efficiency and resilience on both sides, with Houston’s offense finding a rhythm late in the second quarter while Buffalo weathered some early adversity.
Quarterback Watch: Mills Comes Alive
Davis Mills faced a rough start, completing just 1 of 8 pass attempts for 10 yards in the opening period. Despite the rocky start, Mills settled in and finished the half with an efficient line of 11-of-21 for 122 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to rebound from the slow start was a key factor in Houston building a lead that has the Texans feeling optimistic at the break.
Houston’s passing attack found its stride when it counted, capitalizing on a couple of big plays and a balanced approach that kept the Bills’ defense honest. Mills’ two touchdowns came on timely throws that enabled the Texans to convert red-zone opportunities into points instead of field goals, a crucial factor in staying ahead of a veteran Bills squad.
Buffalo’s Game Plan: Challenges and Scoring Opportunities
Buffalo entered the game with high expectations for Josh Allen, but the star quarterback faced a touch of misfortune and some tough defense in the first half. Allen had a few scares and moments of hesitancy, yet he did enough to keep Buffalo within striking distance. The Bills’ offense showed flashes of what makes them dangerous, including a couple of explosive plays and a relentless push to regain the lead in the second half.
Buffalo’s defense stood strong at times, limiting big gains and forcing Houston into unfavorable down-and-distance situations. If the Bills can clean up the protection and improve their run-game balance, they’ll pose a greater threat in the second half against a Texans team that has shown resilience in this matchup.
What to Watch in the Second Half
- Texans’ rhythm under Mills: Can Houston sustain the moment and expand its lead with a balanced attack and play-action that keeps Buffalo guessing?
- Allen’s adjustments: How will Buffalo adjust after halftime? Expect tighter protection, more designed runs, and shots downfield when the opportunity arises.
- Turnovers and field position: The team that minimizes mistakes in the third and fourth quarters will likely swing the momentum in a tight game.
Bottom Line
At halftime, the Texans hold a slim 20-16 lead thanks to Mills’ late-half efficiency and a steady ground game that has kept Buffalo off-balance. The team’s coaching staff will look to keep the pressure on the Bills while Buffalo seeks to capitalize on any momentum swing in the second half. Friday night’s finish remains uncertain, but the early signs suggest Houston may pull off a memorable upset if it can maintain its composure and execution.
