The Houston Texans achieved a significant victory against the Buffalo Bills on November 21, 2025, securing a 23-19 win that showcased their formidable defense. The Texans managed to sack quarterback Josh Allen eight times and intercepted him twice, effectively shutting down the Bills’ offense after an initial touchdown. This performance emphasizes the Texans’ potential as a Super Bowl-caliber team, particularly given their league-leading defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game.
Despite these accomplishments, ESPN sports betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh expressed skepticism about the Texans’ playoff chances. During an appearance on the program “Get Up,” he stated, “Houston, good. I don’t see them making the playoffs.” Fortenbaugh highlighted the Texans’ 2-3 road record and upcoming challenging games against the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs. He pointed out concerns regarding the offensive line and noted that while quarterback Davis Mills has performed well, he has not reached elite status.
Fortenbaugh also cautioned against overvaluing the Texans’ win, referencing a previous surprising outcome when Joe Flacco led the Cincinnati Bengals to a shocking victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He acknowledged Houston’s strong defensive performance but remained unconvinced about their overall playoff viability.
Conversely, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky took a different stance. He praised the Texans’ defense, calling it the best in the league this season. Orlovsky stated, “This defense has kept them afloat. I think this team’s in [the playoffs].” He cited a historical statistic indicating that no defense leading the league in points and yards has ever failed to make the playoffs, suggesting that Houston’s defensive prowess should secure their postseason berth.
After the victory against the Bills, the Texans improved their record to 6-5 and have now won three consecutive games, rebounding from an initial 0-3 start. While the offensive performance still leaves room for improvement, with only 261 total yards and a 2-of-12 success rate on third downs, the team remains optimistic. Mills, who stepped in for the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion), has led the team effectively, though he acknowledges that Stroud is the starting quarterback.
The Texans’ struggles on the road have been noted, but upcoming games against the Colts and Chiefs reveal vulnerabilities in both opponents. Historically, no team has made the playoffs after starting 0-3 since the NFL expanded to a 14-team format in 2020. Yet, with a robust defense at the helm, the Texans are in a position to potentially defy those odds and secure a playoff spot.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Houston to see if they can continue their upward trajectory and solidify their postseason aspirations.
