Bucs at Texans Final Score Predictions: Baker Mayfield and C.J. Stroud face tough tests in prime Week 2 matchup

Bucs 24, Texans 21

The Houston Texans really struggled last week against the Los Angeles Rams, who kind of just threw around Houston's offensive line like it was nothing. The Buccaneers should expect to do the same thing and put pressure on C.J. Stroud because, man, that offensive line is horrendous. As good a quarterback as Stroud is, you'd think the Texans would do a better job of getting their franchise guy more protection, especially while he's on his rookie contract. Their offseason changes haven't worked so far whether it's through injury or ineffectiveness, so that's why I have theTexans starting 0-2, and the Buccaneers starting 2-0.

It will be a close one, though, because Houston does have a very good defense that can keep them in games. In this one, I'd like to see how well the trenches can play out for Houston, and if they can hang with Tampa, they have a shot at winning. If not, this one could get ugly for Stroud, and he could be on his back an awful lot looking up at the NRG Stadium retractable roof. - Justin Churchill, A to Z Las Vegas

Texans 38, Bucs 33

I know it's only Week 2, but we are approaching must-win territory for the Houston Texans. A poor showing on offense in Week 1 preludes four tough contests, starting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. I think this one will be a shoot-out. The Texans' offense hasn't looked the same since 2023, and the Buccaneers are no pushovers on defense, but Michael Penix looked good in Week 1.

So I believe Stroud will overcome deficiencies on the offensive line, make a few big throws late, and ultimately propel the Texans to victory. But it won't come easy. I thought Baker Mayfield's arm looked better than ever in Week 1, and we know the Bucs are going to air out, even against a tough Texans secondary. It should be a fun shootout under the lights. - Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh

Bucs 23, Texans 17

This is a matchup that is really interesting due to the perceived strengths of the two teams. The Bucs passing offense will face a Houston secondary with plenty of talent and turnover-creating ability. Baker Mayfield has to take care of the football. Emeka Egbuka is already living up to the offseason hype, though, and should be able to make some plays thanks to the attention Mike Evans will draw. Tampa Bay's run game is an even bigger piece of the puzzle, however, and it needs to be a factor.

As for the Texans, they are an enigma of a team. C.J. Stroud has showed incredible potential at times. In other instances, he and his offense has been one of the least efficient in the AFC. With an offensive line that doesn’t look much better (if at all) than last year’s, the physical prowess and speed of the front seven for Tampa Bay will be a huge concern for them. Stroud is probably gonna have to get the ball out early, and the aggressiveness of Todd Bowles’ DBs can disrupt those attempts too often. In the end, it’s tough to project the Texans to win this game for me right now. Give me the Bucs. - Adam Holt, A to Z New Orleans

Bucs 20, Texans 14

I have gone back and forth on this game over 100 times and even with my final pick, I'm still unsure as to who wins this game.

For the Bucs, the running game has to work. Baker Mayfield wasn't sharp in Week 1 in large part because of a hyper-aggressive Falcons defense and he faces an even more aggressive and even better defense in DeMeco Ryans' crew. If he's forced to carry the load, it's going to be a long day for the Bucs offense. That doesn't let him off the hook either - Mayfield can't miss throws like he did last week. He has to be on point and I think he'll play better than he did against the Atlanta Falcons.

I'm unsure as to just how effective the ground game will be, but I have enough faith in the Bucs defense to corral a dysfunctional Texans offense that just seems directionless at this point. As everyone has pointed out, the offensive line simply isn't good and the skill players, outside Collins, are average, at best. The Bucs matchup well and will get both Christian Izien and Benjamin Morrison back in the secondary, which provides a boost.

It's going to be a close, low-scoring game and honestly, a big reason I'm giving the edge to the Bucs is because the Texans are an undisciplined team. They finished with the third-most penalties in the NFL a year ago and they committed 11 penalties for 80 yards against the Rams in Week 1. A big reason why the offense is so dysfunctional is because it's consistently false starting, illegally shifting, or committing holds that wipe out positive gains and/or put C.J. Stroud and Co. behind the chains to where they're having to fight just to stay above water.

In tight games like this one should be - that makes all the difference. Expect the Bucs to start out 2-0 for the fourth straight year under Bowles. - Evan Winter, A to Z Tampa Bay

Final Prediction for Bucs at Texans

It's 4-1 in favor of the Buccaneers for Monday night's matchup. This is truly a game where either team could win and it's going to come down to which side makes the least amount of mistakes, to be honest. Sure, it's cliche, but it applies here.

If the Bucs can limit the turnovers and create a couple themselves, as well as play to their standard on defense, they should be able to come away with a solid win that puts them at 2-0 heading into the home opener against the New York Jets in Week 3.