Josh Allen faces familiar test against Houston’s pass rush
The Bills quarterback is 0–4 in road starts against the Texans, while Houston’s defensive front has repeatedly disrupted him.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will open the 2026 NFL season against the Houston Texans in Houston, where he has lost all four of his road starts, including playoffs. According to CBS Sports Research, Allen has recorded two total touchdowns across those games.
Houston’s pass rush is led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who have combined for 50 sacks since 2024, including 4.5 against Allen. In the teams’ most recent meeting, Houston recorded eight sacks without blitzing, relying on its front four and man coverage.
Allen completed nine of 30 passes against Houston in 2024, a career-low 30 per cent completion rate. NFL Pro data cited by CBS Sports found that 13 of Houston’s 15 pressures and seven of its eight sacks in the following meeting came with four or fewer pass rushers.
The Texans have added defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, while their defensive group also includes Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Azeez Al-Shaair and Calen Bullock. Houston has also acquired Reed Blankenship and Jadeveon Clowney.
Buffalo has added receiver DJ Moore, who previously worked with new Bills coach Joe Brady. The acquisition gives Allen another option against a Houston defence that has been able to pressure him without committing extra defenders.
