Over the past four seasons, the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills have been contenders in the AFC.
Houston, headlined by an elite defense and stable coaching under DeMeco Ryans, hasn't finished below 10 wins since 2023. The Texans also haven't missed out on the divisional round after handling buissness in the wild-card stages.
Buffalo, headlined by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, has arguably been the second-most consistent team in the conference behind the Kansas City Chiefs since 2021. Buffalo has made it to two conference title games and finished with at least 11 wins per year, though last season's divisonal round loss cost Allen his best chance to make the Super Bowl.
Both teams know the 2026 season could be one to remember and each sideline understands
that a Week 1 win carries more weight than just a feel-good win to start the season.
DeMeco Ryans on the challenge the Texans defense will face vs Josh Allen & the Bills:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 10, 2026
“We have to earn it. Josh & this offense are finna make you earn every play that you make. That’s how we like it. That’s how it should be. Our guys are up for that challenge. We know we have to… pic.twitter.com/ujqIQdHscU
“This is an AFC Championship matchup,” Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said. “Two really good teams. We have a ton of respect for them.”
During the regular season, Houston has been a heel for Buffalo at home. It's a similar approach to how Allen continues to best the Chiefs in November, but struggles to win in the postseason when Patrick Mahomes gets hot.
Since 2019, Houston is 4-0 against the Bills when the game is played at Reliant Stadium. Two years ago, Ka'imi Fairbairn nailed a 59-yard game-winning field goal to secure a 23-20 win. Last season, Allen tossed several interceptions while backup quarterback Davis Mills found the end zone twice, propelling Houston to a 23-19 victory on Thursday Night Football.
The Texans know that stopping Allen is the key to winning. He's a former MVP and the most dangerous weapon when asked to take off and run in the open field.
But it's not just Allen on offense who could serve as a thorn in the Texans' side come Noon Sunday afternoon. Pro Bowl running back James Cook still remains a focal point of first-year coach Joe Brady's offense, having rushed for a career-high 1,621 yards a season ago, 114 of which came in the battle down in Houston.
"He's a really tough running back and he's so patient," Anderson said of Cook. "He'll wait, he'll wait, he'll wait and then he'll just explode to the outside and take off. That's what makes him so great. He's not just an 'Oh, I'm going to go right now.' He just tries to see and feel everything out. "
Last season, the Bills relied on a run game against Houston since their weaponry was underwhelming. That could change with the addition of Pro Bowler D.J. Moore, who joined the squad via trade from Chicago this offseason.
Will Anderson Jr. shares how DeMeco Ryans had Jalen Pitre “be the coach” while watching film today.
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 10, 2026
“He killed it and we received that. If JP can get up here and tell us what his job is and what everybody else is doing, that feeds the room. That’s how you get a great defense.… pic.twitter.com/MDuF5M82Zk
Far from the All-Pro potential found in Carolina, Moore remains a vital target on the outside in the passing game. Last season with the Bears, his 682 receiving yards would have ranked second in Buffalo behind Kalil Shakir, though that number likely would have expanded since he wouldn't have split time with rookie Luther Burden II and Colston Loveland.
"He gives them that true number one receiver that I think they've been missing for a while," Ryans said. "He can stretch the defense vertically, so you have DJ Moore to be concerned with and you also have [Dalton] Kincaid to be worried about. All eyes just can't go on Kincaid. You've got to be concerned with DJ Moore."
The Texans and Bills remain the odds-on favorites to win the AFC this fall. Home-field advantage could be on the line for the postseason in Week 1 if both squad meet their potential.
For Houston, learning from past mistakes could make this an easier win than in past years. Explosive plays have been a killer for the Texans' defense, so keepng things within a 20-yard reach could be the key to victory.
"We got to find a way to make a play, and we got to get after the quarterback as best we can," Ryans said. "(Allen’s) a great player. We have great rushers. It's going to be a really good matchup.”
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Is Week 1 a preview of the AFC title game between Texans & Bills? Will Anderson Jr. thinks so
