Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans will open the 2026 NFL regular season with one of the most intriguing matchups of Week 1. Both teams finished the 2025 season with 12-5 records and now meet at Houston's home stadium on Sunday, September 13.
When is Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans?
The game will be played Sunday, September 13, 2026, with Buffalo Bills visiting Houston Texans.
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT and 1:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. broadcast: CBS.
Where to watch Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans in the USA?
CBS will broadcast the matchup in the United States, with streaming available through Paramount+. NFL Sunday Ticket will also offer the game for viewers who are watching out-of-market.
Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans preview
The matchup features two teams that finished the 2025 regular season with identical 12-5 records, although they reached that mark through very different strengths.
Buffalo Bills were one of the NFL's most productive rushing teams last season. The Bills finished with 2,714 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, while James Cook III led the league with 1,621 rushing yards.
Josh Allen remains the centerpiece of Buffalo's offense. The Bills also enter the season with a reshaped receiving group that includes newcomer DJ Moore alongside Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer.
Houston Texans, meanwhile, built their success around an outstanding defense in 2025. Houston allowed only 295 points and enters Week 1 with one of the league's most challenging defensive units.
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will be major threats for Buffalo's offensive line. The Texans recorded 47 sacks last season, making their ability to pressure Josh Allen one of the most important factors to watch.
C.J. Stroud will lead the Houston offense, with Nico Collins returning as one of his primary targets after recording 1,117 receiving yards during the 2025 regular season.
The game also begins a new chapter for Buffalo under head coach Joe Brady. The Bills are looking to start the season with a win after finishing 12-5 last year and falling in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The central matchup will be Buffalo's powerful rushing attack against a Houston defense that excelled at pressuring quarterbacks and limiting opposing offenses. With both teams coming off 12-5 seasons, this could be one of the most competitive games of the opening weekend.
Game information
Game: Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans
Week: NFL Week 1, 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
PT: 10:00 a.m.
CT: 12:00 p.m.
ET: 1:00 p.m.
Stadium: Reliant Stadium
U.S. broadcast: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans enter Week 1 with high expectations after identical 12-5 records in 2025. With Josh Allen leading Buffalo and C.J. Stroud leading Houston, the season opener should provide an early test for two teams with postseason ambitions.