Dominant defenses still can carry teams in the NFL.

The Houston Texans proved it again Thursday night with another smothering performance against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a 23-19 victory.

Despite allowing the Bills to convert a fourth-and-27 on a perfectly executed hook-and-lateral play in the final minute, Houston’s defense tightened up and held at their own 17.

The Texans (6-5) are back in the playoff picture with three straight wins behind backup quarterback Davis Mills, who has filled in for C.J. Stroud while he recovers from a concussion.

A stingy defense has helped Houston overcome an 0-3 start. The Texans entered Week 12 leading the NFL in scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and overall defense (258.1 yards).

Special teams gave up a kickoff return touchdown so Ho

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