Preview for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans
After opening the season with a division win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Houston for their first prime-time appearance of the year in a Monday Night Football matchup against the Houston Texans.
Tampa Bay will look to extend two streaks – a run of five straight 2-0 starts and six consecutive Week One victories – while also chasing a first-ever road win in Houston.
The Bucs are 0-7 all-time there, including four losses to the Oilers before their move to Tennessee.
Prime-time games have also been a hurdle. Tampa Bay dropped all six of its regular-season night contests across 2023-24, but Baker Mayfield is eager for the spotlight.
Head coach Todd Bowles said the team has tried to prepare for the unique rhythm of night games, but the focus remains firmly on Houston.
The Texans, winners of the AFC South in both seasons under DeMeco Ryans, boast a fierce defense led by pass rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and cornerback Derek Stingley.
“It starts with DeMeco Ryans,” said Mayfield. “You understand that he’s going to demand his guys to play extremely hard. They fly to the ball. They are going to play really hard.”
Quarterback C.J. Stroud headlines Houston’s offense after throwing for 470 yards and five scores in last year’s wild shootout against Tampa Bay.
His weapons include Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and rookie receiver Jayden Higgins.
The Bucs enter with momentum of their own. Mayfield leads the NFL with 72 touchdown passes since 2023, and he will be keen to wrap up an early win on the road.
Prediction for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans
The Texans lost their opener and will be keen to bounce back with a win and build some momentum as they look to return to the play-offs this season. However, with a fully fit Mayfield in play, the Bucs can beat anyone. Expect a close game but perhaps a slight edge for the home side here.
Prediction: Bucs 17-24 Texans
How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans
The Bucs-Texans matchup kicks off at 7:00pm ET on Monday. It will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN.
The game can be streamed on NFL +. It is also available outside of the US on DAZN.
