ORCHARD PARK (AP) -- First, tight end Owen Daniels went down a knee injury. Then turnover-prone running back Steve Slaton was benched after coughing up his latest fumble.

If that wasn't enough, the usually efficient Matt Schaub threw two interceptions.

So certain was Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak that his team could overcome this adversity and self-imposed trouble, he made a deal with his players at halftime.

"I told them to go out and play like they're capable of playing, and I'll burn the first half of film," Kubiak said.

Anyone have a match?

Led by Ryan Moats scoring three fourth-quarter touchdowns in taking over for a benched Slaton, the Texans showed they finally belong in the midseason playoff picture by rallying for a 31-10 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Texans (5-3) are off to the best start in franchise history and showing resilience in continuing to shed their also-ran label.

Moats had a career-best 126 yards rushing after Slaton lost his fifth fumble of the season. Schaub bounced back by engineering six scoring drives on seven possessions bridging halftime. And the Texans overcame losing Daniels, who fears his right knee injury might be season-ending.

"This is a team that's grown up a lot," receiver Andre Johnson said. "I think we are just growing up and learning how to win football games in tough situations."

It was as tough a situation as the offensively inept Bills (3-5) could produce.

Bettered by an opponent that's only in its eighth year of existence, Buffalo stumbles into its bye week in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for a 10th straight year, and immediately needing to address an anemic offense that's been a season-long concern.

The Bills generated 204 yards on offense, the fourth time this season they've been held under 250, while managing nine first downs for the second consecutive week.

And they might have been held off the scoreboard if not for rookie safety Jairus Byrd's second of two interceptions setting up Terrell Owens' 29-yard touchdown run; or Fred Jackson's 71-yard kickoff return which set up Rian Lindell's 21-yard field goal.

Otherwise, the Bills punted six times and didn't register a first down in the second half until their fifth and final drive, which ended with an interception.

"I think we have to take it personal," said Owens, who had five catches for 39 yards. "We're just not getting it done offensively. That's pretty much the key thing. ... Everyone's not pleased with the way we played."

Coach Dick Jauron, who might well be back on the hot seat, once again reverted to taking the blame.

"Oh, I think the whole thing falls on me," Jauron said. "I don't think there's any doubt. I take full responsibility for it."

The Texans face a bigger test in preparing to play undefeated AFC South rival Indianapolis this weekend.

Kubiak was unhappy with Slaton's latest turnover, his seventh of the year, but indicated he'll still be part of the offense.

"I told Steve in the locker room to get his chin up," Kubiak said. "This team needs him playing well and making plays, and I'm expecting him to come right back next week and help us."

Replacing Daniels is a bigger concern, considering the tight end entered the game leading the team in catches (39) and touchdowns (five), and was second in yards receiving (497).

Kubiak is at least pleased with how Houston bounced back against Buffalo, going ahead for good when Moats scored his first of three touchdowns on an 11-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

"Through adversity, teams get stronger or they can go the other way," Kubiak said. "This tells you about the character of the group. They didn't make excuses."

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)