Explosive plays have played a significant role in the Houston Texans' matchup against the Buffalo Bills over the past two seasons.
In 2024, MVP quarterback Josh Allen connected with Keon Coleman for a 49-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, bringing Buffalo within three.
A year later, James Cook set the tone in the first quarter after breaking away from the Texans' front seven to score a 45-yard touchdown and give the Bills the early 7-0 lead.
Coleman and Cook are back to serve as weapons for Allen as Buffalo arrives Sunday to kickstart the 2026 NFL season, but there's another name Houston will have to be on the lookout for in the passing game.
D.J. Moore, one of the league's most consistent pass-catchers, was traded from Chicago in exchange
for a second-round pick to reclaim his WR No. 1 status. Over the past two seasons with the Bears, the former Pro Bowler averaged nearly 14 yards per play and scored 12 touchdowns.
Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke on DJ Moore:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 11, 2026
“Proven receiver. Explosive, great with the ball in his hands. Can get vertical down the field. Played him a few years ago when he was in Chicago. They have a very, very good group of skill players & he adds another element… pic.twitter.com/COQXzajcmK
He's a game-changer toward Joe Brady's new-look passing offense and someone the Texans must prepare for in space.
“Explosive receiver, great with the ball in his hands," Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. "They've created a lot of explosives with run after the catch in the pass. He is another guy that fits in that mold, but then also can get vertical down the field. I played him a few years ago when he was in Chicago, when we were here one of those night games. They have a very good group of skill players and he just adds another element, another weapon that we've got to be ready to defend.”
Dion Dawkins says that DJ Moore will not only help Bills’ WR corps, but OL as well vs. HOU: “With a guy like DJ, he’s going to get the ball out of Josh’s hands.. When a WR is having a hard time getting separation or getting open, it puts more pressure on the OL.. DJ is THAT guy.” pic.twitter.com/BWc5yq1jWy
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) September 11, 2026
The Texans have given up at least one 40-yard play in the past three matchups against Buffalo, dating back to the wild-card round matchup in 2019. Moore, who has been in a rhythm with Allen since the offeseason, looks to make it four straight.
"D.J. is that guy," Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said of the new receiver.
The Texans kick off at Noon. The game will be televised on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans prepared for new Bills WR D.J. Moore's impact entering Week 1
