In a defensive first half, the Bengals led 6–3 at halftime. Hoyer left the game late in the 3rd quarter to be checked for a possible concussion; with Hoyer leaving T. J. Yates played his first snap for the Texans since 2013. The Texans scored the first—and only—touchdown of the game early in the 4th quarter with Yates throwing 22 yards to DeAndre Hopkins. With Novak making the PAT, the Texans took a 10–6 lead with 14:20 left to play. In the end, the Texans held on to upset the Bengals 10–6, handing the Bengals their first loss of the season. Yates was named the starter for the Texans as Brian Hoyer was out due to a concussion, while former Texans Ryan Fitzpatrick and Randy Bullock made their first return to Houston since leaving the team. During the 3rd quarter, wide receiver Cecil Shorts III threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Alfred Blue to put the Texans up 17–10 with Nick Novak making the extra-point. Despite losing their starting quarterback, Houston beat the Jets 24–17, extending their winning streak to a season best 3 games, their first 3-game winning streak since the 2012 season. It was their first home victory against the Jets in three tries. The Texans beat the Saints 24–6, extending their winning streak to 4 games. With the win, Houston went to 6–5 for their first winning record of the season. The Texans' defense didn't allow a single touchdown for New Orleans, the first time the team failed to score a touchdown since December 24, 2005. The Texans' defense was unable to withstand the Bills' rushing offense, especially in the first half, allowing over 100 rushing yards. Nonetheless, Houston managed to keep pace throughout despite not leading all game, but gave up a go-ahead touchdown by Charles Clay on the first play off the two-minute warning, followed by Dan Carpenter's 30-yard field goal to put it away for good. The Texans lost their first game following the bye week losing to Buffalo 21–30 and dropped to 6–6 on the season. This was also Houston's first loss to the Bills since 2006. The Texans and Patriots faced off on Sunday Night Football in a game with playoff implications for both teams. Houston received the opening kickoff, going into a three-and-out on the drive. On New England's second drive, Tom Brady found tight end Rob Gronkowski for a 40-yard reception to set up first and goal.