NFL bettors get a double shot of Monday Night Football in Week 2, starting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers battling the Houston Texans in the early kickoff.
Tampa Bay survived a heart attack at Atlanta, and my Buccaneers vs. Texans predictions expect the Buccos to cover another road spread.
Here are my early NFL picks for this September 15 tilt.
Buccaneers vs Texans predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early MNF spread pick: Tampa Bay +3
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played a “bend but don’t break” game against Atlanta, allowing 358 yards to the Falcons' offense but leaking just 20 points in a 23-20 win.
After giving up a 50-yard touchdown run to start the game, Tampa Bay tightened the bolts and made Atlanta scratch and claw (and stretch) for every other point the rest of the way.
The Bucs’ stop unit continues to be a soft spot, but this is still an aggressive group under Todd Bowles, despite registering only one sack on Sunday. Bowles told reporters after the game his rushers have to complete that pressure and get to the quarterback.
They’ll have a good shot to do just that against the Houston Texans in Week 2.
Houston has been haunted by a horrific offensive line for the past few seasons and revamped its protection ahead of 2025. That didn’t do much, considering QB C.J. Stroud was sacked three times and constantly hounded by the L.A. Rams’ front.
To make matters worse, starting center Jake Andrews was carted off the field with an ankle injury, and guard Ed Ingram missed Week 1 due to an abdominal injury late last week.
That lack of protection left Stroud powerless and pissed off, blasting his team after the opening loss to the Rams. I’ll bank on chaos giving the Bucs a takeaway or two. Tampa Bay +3.
Early MNF total pick: Under 43
This total opened as high as 44.5 points, and instant action on the Under knocked it down to as low as 42.5 O/U at some sportsbooks.
With the Bucs defense blowing up the Texans’ protection, look for Houston to alleviate some pressure on Stroud by running the ball. Joe Mixon is still sidelined, but Houston did get a solid showing from veteran RB Nick Chubb in the Week 1 loss.
Tampa Bay’s offense managed over 100 yards on the ground vs. Atlanta, but 39 of those rushing gains came from QB Baker Mayfield. Running back Bucky Irving finished with only 37 yards on 14 carries.
The Buccaneers’ passing attack is the beating heart of this team. It runs into one of the best defenses in the NFL. Houston sacked Matthew Stafford three times and now lines up across from a Tampa O-line missing top blocker Tristan Wirfs.
Big passing plays could be hard to come by (both teams only had two passing plays of 20+ yards), considering the two pass rushes and injuries on each offensive line. I’m leaning to the Under in this MNF matchup.
Buccaneers vs Texans odds
- Buccaneers vs. Texans spread: Texans -3
- Buccaneers vs. Texans moneyline: Buccaneers +125, Texans -150
- Buccaneers vs. Texans Over/Under: 43
How to watch Buccaneers vs Texans
- Buccaneers vs. Texans matchup
- Date: Monday, September 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m. ET
- City: Houston, TX
- Venue: NRG Stadium
- TV: ABC/ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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