In this article we will formulate a Texans vs Buccaneers prediction for this NFL game on Monday, September 15th at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 2 matchup.
Houston Texans Betting Preview
The Houston Texans are 0-1 this year after they lost to the Rams by a score of 14-9 last week. Houston led 3-0 after the first quarter and 9-7 at halftime, but they were shutout in the second half for the disappointing loss. The Texans were out gained by a total of 296-265, went 2-9 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. CJ Stroud went 19-27 for 188 yards and one interception, while Jayden Higgins caught two passes for 32 yards in the loss. Nick Chubb rushed 13 times for 60 yards, while Stroud added 32 yards on the ground. The Houston defense was led by Kamari Lassiter, who had nine total tackles, while the team had three sacks and five tackles for loss.
Houston battled hard and played strong defense in their opening game, but the offense was not good and couldn’t find the end zone. The Texans had similar struggles last season, so they can’t be feeling too hot after week one. On the bright side, the defense was great and kept them in the game, but a late turnover did them in. Houston’s defense can only do so much, but Stroud needs to get the offense going.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 1-0 this season after they defeated Atlanta by a score of 23-20 in their first game. Tampa Bay trailed 7-0 after the first quarter, but they were tied at 10 at the half. The Buccaneers scored a touchdown late in the fourth to take a 23-20 lead and they were able to survive a late field goal attempt to win. Tampa Bay was out gained by a total of 358-260, went 7-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Baker Mayfield went 17-32 for 167 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 39 yards in the win. Bucky Irving rushed 14 times for 37 yards, while Emeka Egbuka caught four passes for 67 yards and two scores. The TB defense was led by Tykee Smith, who had 11 total tackles, while the team had one sack and seven tackles for loss.
Tampa Bay didn’t necessarily play great in their first game, but they were able to escape with the victory. The Bucs failed to reach 300 total yards and had some issues in the kicking game, but they were bailed out by Egbuka and the Falcons own kicking issues. We know Tampa Bay isn’t going to play much defense, but their offense needs to do a better job of moving the ball, especially through the air.
Why the Texans will beat the Buccaneers
- The Texans have won each of their last eight games as favorites following a loss.
- The Buccaneers have lost each of their three previous games at NRG Stadium against teams that held a losing record.
- The Texans have covered the spread in four of their last five Monday games.
- The Buccaneers have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five September games against AFC opponents.
- The Texans have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four games as favorites.
- The Texans have won the first quarter in each of their last four games against NFC opponents.
- The Texans have won the first half in each of their last seven games as favorites following a loss.
Why the Buccaneers will beat the Texans
- The Buccaneers have won each of their last eight Week 2 games.
- The Texans have lost seven of their last eight September games against NFC opponents.
- The Texans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 games as favorites following a road loss.
- The Buccaneers have covered the spread in each of their last eight Week 2 games.
- The Buccaneers have scored the first touchdown in seven of their last eight Week 2 games.
- The Texans have lost the first quarter in each of their last seven games as favorites following a road loss.
- The Buccaneers have won the first half in seven of their last eight Week 2 games.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Texans’ last nine games as home favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Buccaneers’ last eight games as road underdogs have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Texans Player Prop Facts
- Nick Chubb has scored two touchdowns in each of his last three appearances in home night games against teams with a winning record.
- Nico Collins has scored at least one touchdown in seven of his last eight home appearances.
- Nick Chubb has recorded 75+ rushing yards in each of his last nine September home appearances.
- Justin Watson has recorded 22+ receiving yards in each of his last six September home appearances.
- C.J. Stroud has recorded 285+ passing yards in four of the Texans’ last five games as favorites following a road loss.
- Joe Mixon has recorded 94+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last six appearances with his team as a favorite following a loss.
- C.J. Stroud has recorded 24+ completions in each of the Texans’ last five games as favorites following a road loss.
- Heading into Week 2, Ka’imi Fairbairn ranks T1st in the NFL in 50+ yard field goals made (2) this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Prop Facts
- Mike Evans has scored two touchdowns in three of his last four appearances with the Buccaneers as underdogs against AFC opponents.
- Mike Evans has scored a touchdown in eight of his nine previous Monday regular season appearances.
- Rachaad White has recorded 66+ rushing and receiving yards in each of the Buccaneers’ last nine games as slight underdogs (<+3.5 points).
- Baker Mayfield has recorded 15+ rushing yards in each of the Buccaneers’ last six games as underdogs following a win.
- Bucky Irving has recorded 14+ receiving yards in each of the Buccaneers’ last five games following a road win.
- Baker Mayfield has recorded 283+ passing yards in each of the Buccaneers’ last four games as underdogs following a road win.
- Baker Mayfield has recorded 23+ completions in three of the Buccaneers’ last four games as underdogs against AFC opponents.
- Heading into Week 2, Emeka Egbuka ranks T1st in the NFL in touchdowns (2) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 2, the Texans rank 32nd in the NFL in average kickoff return (11.0 yards) this season.
- Heading into Week 2, the Texans rank 32nd in the NFL in kickoff return yards per game (11.0) this season.
- Buccaneers – one different players have recorded multi-touchdown games this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 2.
- Heading into Week 2, the Buccaneers rank 1st in the NFL in average punt return (54.0 yards) this season.
Texans vs Buccaneers Prediction
Both of these teams had some offensive issues to start the season, but Tampa Bay was able to get the win. The Bucs have the more reliable quarterback with Mayfield, but I have much more faith in the Houston defense. I think this is a game where Stroud and the Houston offense could breakout, while we know Tampa’s offense won’t be held down for long. In a game featuring two struggling offenses, I think we are going to see plenty of points. Take the over here.