Yes, the Houston Texans' playoff chances are very much alive and well following a Thursday Night Football thumping over the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium.
The Texans sacked Josh Allen eight times and created three turnovers in a 23-19 win on Thursday to move back into the winner's column. Houston is currently on a three-game win streak despite not having quarterback C.J. Stroud.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDavis Mills did enough in the first half to avoid a potential comeback in the second. He threw two touchdown passes, including one with two minutes remaining in the first half to rookie Jayden Higgins. Meanwhile, the offensive line looked improved with Tytus Howard shifting over to the left guard. Houston only allowed one tackle for loss and zero sacks.
"The offensive line did a great job opening up holes for them and controlling the line of scrimmage, and our receivers and tight ends got in on the action," Mills said postgame. "When you can do that, play-action pass opens up because they're stacking more people in the box and you can spread it out and really get everything going scheme-wise as an offense.”
Pro Football Focus handed out player grades for those who took a snap in Houston's win over Buffalo and we broke them down by offense and defense. Below are the five highest and lowest grades on the defensive side of the ball after a surprising performance at NRG Stadium.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere were a few surprises in terms of the highest- and lowest-graded players, both on offense and defense. In fact, most of you can already guess who graded out in stellar and horrendous fashion.
Here's a look at the five best defensive players below:
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) runs against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn ImagesTop 5 Defense
DB Calen Bullock - 92.4
DE Will Anderson Jr. - 91.3
DB Kamari Lassiter - 80.3
LB Henry To'oTo'o - 72.1
DB Jaylen Reed - 70.3
While Anderson was the hero at the line of scrimmage, Bullock was clearly the Texans' player of the game. Not only did he post a season-high 93.2 coverage grade, but his three turnovers marked the most by a Texans player since 2011.
Anderson's a regular in this category entering Week 13, but even with a pedestrian 89.9 pass-rush grade, it still was enough to warrant a top-three finish.
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) reacts after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesBottom 5 defense
DE Dylan Horton - 36.0
DL Mario Edwards - 41.3
DB Tremon Smith - 43.4
LB E.J. Speed - 50.0
DB Derek Stingley Jr. - 52.1
Edwards has seen his snap count regress weekly, but Sunday's game reached a new low. Not only did the former starter finish with a season-low 28.7 run defense grade, but his 68.1 tackle grade also was the lowest among defensive tackles. Horton's 27.6 tackle grade marked the lowest of all players, regardless of position or team.
This season has been a forgettable one for Stingley in coverage. Yes, his interception was great, but a 53.6 coverage grade, plus allowing a touchdown, feels like a gut punch after last season's success in DeMeco Ryans' man-based system.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesOther notables
DE Danielle Hunter - 63.5
DL Denico Autry - 64.5
DL Tommy Togiai - 70.1
DL Sheldon Rankins - 64.5
LB Azeez Al-Shaair - 58.9
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans PFF grades: Top & Bottom defensive players in win vs. Bills
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