Josh Allen struggles in Houston as the Bills trail 17-3 at halftime

It was clear in the first half how much Josh Allen missed Khalil Shakir, who was inactive due to an ankle injury. Allen had the worst start of his career, completing one of nine passes for 24 yards.

He finished the first half 6 of 18 for 56 yards.

The Bills only have 103 yards, 44 of which came on their field goal drive. James Cook has 11 carries for 43 yards and two catches for 17 yards. Mack Hollins led the wideouts with two catches for 27 yards.

The Texans could have an even bigger lead if the Bills didn't make a fourth down stop. On fourth-and-1 at the Buffalo 16, Dare Ogunbowale was stopped without a gain by Terrel Bernard and Cam Lewis.

The Texans, playing without their top two running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, lost Nico Collins to a hamstring injury after he caught a 67-yard touchdown. The league's leading receiver has two catches for 78 yards and will not return.

CJ Stroud completed his first 10 passes and finished the half 12 of 15 for 187 yards and a touchdown. Cam Akers had the Texans' other touchdown on a 15-yard run.

Former Bills receiver Stefon Diggs has two receptions for 27 yards.

Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked a 50-yard field goal on the final play of the half.