The Buffalo Bills scored just inside the two-minute warning, and the defense held off the Houston Texans' final drive to grab a much-needed, 30-21 home win and even both teams at 6-6. Heading into the day, Houston was in sixth place in the AFC, but Buffalo has clawed into striking distance, just outside the playoff field.
Tyrod Taylor set the team's record for consecutive passes without an interception on a day when he barely completed 50 percent of his passes, but he threw three touchdowns while adding one on the ground. His best target was Sammy Watkins, who caught three big passes on his way to a touchdown and 109 yards receiving. Charles Clay was his favorite target, catching four passes for 66 yards and the go-ahead touchdown late in the game. LeSean McCoy led a potent rushing attack with 112 yards, bolstered by 41 from newly-signed Mike Gillislee.
The defense did enough to win. Despite the refs and Texans colluding on two touchdowns, Buffalo stopped Houston when they needed to. Brian Hoyer and Chris Polk both had solid games in the losing effort.
Buffalo (6-6) will move up in the AFC standings, but how far they will rise is unclear right now. They face the Philadelphia Eagles a week from today.