Texans Upset Bills 23-19, Shake Up AFC Playoff Picture
The Houston Texans upset the Buffalo Bills 23-19 in Week 12, 2025, as Davis Mills led the offense and a dominant defense sacked Josh Allen eight times, forcing three turnovers.
Overview
- The Houston Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-19 in Week 12 of the 2025 season, marking their third consecutive win and significantly impacting the AFC playoff race.
- Texans quarterback Davis Mills, filling in for the injured CJ Stroud, improved to 3-0 as a starter, contributing two first-half touchdown passes to secure the victory.
- Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen struggled, throwing for 253 yards with two interceptions and enduring a career-high eight sacks from the dominant Houston defense.
- Houston's defense was pivotal, recording eight sacks and forcing three turnovers against the Bills, with Will Anderson Jr. leading the charge with two and a half sacks.
- The Bills' loss drops them to a 7-4 record, placing them two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East standings, further complicating their playoff path.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the game's outcome and key events. They present a balanced account of Josh Allen's performance, detailing his struggles with sacks and the decisive interception while also noting his effort to nearly secure a victory. The coverage relies on direct quotes from players and coaches to provide context without editorial interpretation.
"It was tough for Allen to get anything going on a night he was sacked a career-high eight times and hit four other times."
Associated Press"Houston’s defense was probably the story of the night as the Texans won for the fourth time in the past five games to improve their odds of making the playoffs and possibly winning a third straight AFC South crown."
USA TODAY"Houston sacked Allen eight times, and Bullock forced three turnovers, with his second interception sealing the Texans’ 23-19 victory."
Associated PressArticles (5)
FAQ
The Texans' defense was dominant, recording eight sacks (including two and a half by Will Anderson Jr.) and forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions of Josh Allen. Their performance was key in securing the 23-19 victory.
The win improved the Texans' record and gave them a 37% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN Analytics. They are now one game away from a wildcard spot and are back in the AFC playoff race.
Davis Mills, starting in place of the injured CJ Stroud, improved to 3-0 as a starter, throwing two touchdown passes in the first half to help secure the win.
The Bills' loss dropped them to a 7-4 record, placing them two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East and complicating their playoff path.
Will Anderson Jr. led the Texans' defense with two and a half sacks, while Danielle Hunter also played a major role in pressuring Josh Allen throughout the game.
History
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