Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 28-yard field goal to lift the Houston Texans over the Buffalo Bills in overtime of the AFC wild-card Saturday evening at NRG Stadium.
Quarterback Deshuan Watson setup the game-winning field goal after scrambling away from a sack and hitting running back Taiwan Jones for a 34-yard reception down to the Bills’ 10-yard line.
Watson threw for a touchdown and rushed for another along with converting a pair of two-point conversions. The two-time Pro Bowler completed
The two-time Pro Bowler completed 20-of-25 for 247 yards after completing 6-of-8 for 49 yards and being limited to three carries for 13 yards in the first half.
Facing a second-and-goal from the 5-yard line with 4:42 to go in the game, Watson threw a touchdown pass to running back Carlos Hyde to take the lead. A two-point throw to receiver DeAndre Hopkins on slant gave Houston the lead 19-16.
On the ensuing drive, on fourth-and-27 from the Texans’ 42-yard line, outside linebacker Jacob Martin dropped Bills quarterback Josh Allen for a 19-yard loss. The second-year quarterback finished with 24-of-46 for 264 yards.
However, the Bills’ comeback attempt wasn’t squelched. After stopping Watson for no gain on a fourth-and-1, the Bills got the ball back at their own 30-yard line. Allen led the offense on a 41-yard drive that setup kicker Stephen Hauschka for a game-tying 47-yard field goal.
The Bills got the scoring started when receiver John Brown threw a receiver option pass to Allen for a 16-yard touchdown with 11:41 to go in the first quarter.
Defensive end J.J. watt tried to provide a spark for the Texans defense with a sack of Allen with 6:08 to go in the third quarter to force a 38-yard Hauschka field goal. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year finished with 1.0 sack, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss after being out for the last eight games of the regular season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Watt’s sack gave the Texans a little momentum as they mounted a 75-yard drive after the field goal. Watson rushed for a 20-yard touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion to give the Texans a chance down 16-8 with 1:33 left in the third quarter.
The Texans defense produced a takeaway as outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus sacked Allen for a 1-yard loss, forced a fumble, and outside linebacker Jacob Martin scooped it up at the 50-yard line. Houston was only able to add three points with a 41-yard Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal, but nonetheless chipped away at Buffalo’s lead, 16-11 early in the fourth quarter.
Summary
The Texans scored 22 second half and overtime points to overcome the Bills’ 13-0 halftime lead to advance to the AFC divisional playoffs.
Turning point
Win: With 6:46 to go in the third quarter, Watt sacked Allen on a third-and-8 to force Buffalo to settle for a 38-yard field goal. All 19 of the Texans’ points were scored thereafter.
Unique stat
Bills: Allen became the third NFL player since 1975 with at least 25 yards passing, 40 yards rushing, and 15 yards receiving in a game. The other two were Marcus Allen (Week 2 of 1982) and Walter Payton (Week 3 of 1983).
Texans: After being shutout 13-0 in the first half, the Texans offense produced all 22 in the second half and overtime
Scoring summary
Buffalo Bills — 7, 6, 3, 3 — 19
Houston Texans — 0, 0, 8, 11, 3 — 22
First quarter
BUF — Allen 16 pass from Brown (Hauschka kick), 11:41
Second quarter
BUF — Hauschka 40 kick, 10:47
BUF — Hauschka 40 kick, 0:04
Third quarter
BUF — Hauschka 38, 6:02
HTX — Watson 20 run (Watson run), 1:33
Fourth quarter
HTX — Fairbairn 41 kick, 10:55
HTX — Hyde 5 pass from Watson (Hopkins pass from Watson), 4:37
BUF — Hauschka 47 kick, 0:05
Overtime
HTX — Fairbairn 28 kick, 3:20
injury report
Bills
- None
Texans:
- None
Up Next
The Bills season ends with a 10-7 record and a continuation of their playoff-win drought as their last occurred in the 1995 AFC wild-card against the Miami Dolphins.
The Texans travel to either Baltimore or Kansas City depending on the outcome of the Titans-Patriots game Saturday night.