Buccaneers vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can C.J. Stroud, Texans Bounce Back Against Tampa Bay?
The Houston Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle of two teams coming off of a loss. Can C.J. Stroud help the Texans bounce back after a tough loss to the previously winless Panthers? Jason Radowitz gives his analysis for Buccaneers vs. Texans.
Jason Radowitz - November 2, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
5 minBuccaneers vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can C.J. Stroud, Texans Bounce Back Against Tampa Bay?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the season so strong. However, they've fallen below .500 after three straight losses to playoff contenders.
Now they'll take on a 3-4 Houston Texans team with about the same expectations as the Buccaneers to start the season.
Neither team was supposed to be a playoff contender. But the team that wins on Sunday will be back at .500, with a chance to make some noise in the second half.
Which team can we trust on Sunday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans.
Buccaneers vs. Texans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 5, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Buccaneers vs. Texans Odds
- Spread: Texans -2.5 (-110), Buccaneers +2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 40 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Texans (-145), Buccaneers (+125)
Buccaneers vs. Texans Injury Report
Buccaneers
Questionable: G Matt Feiler (Knee), S Kaevon Merriweather (Ankle), TE Ko Kieft (Ankle), OT Tristan Wirfs (Quadricep)
Browns
Questionable: OT Tytus Howard (Knee), CB Ka'dar Hollman (Ankle), OT Laremy Tunsil (Knee), RB Dameon Pierce (Undisclosed)
Out: C Juice Scruggs (Hamstring), CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Hamstring), WR Robert Woods (Foot)
Buccaneers vs. Texans Prediction
The Buccaneers had so much confidence to begin the season with Baker Mayfield under center. But ever since he got hurt with a knee injury, things haven't been the same.
The Buccaneers haven't scored more than 11 points in four of their last five games, despite the defense allowing no more than 26 in any of those five games.
The Buccaneers would win if they scored more points.
They'll take on a Texans team that has only allowed 128 points. While Houston has struggled to convert on tackles, the secondary has played well, and the pass rush is at least average enough to help the secondary out.
In the run game, the Buccaneers haven't performed at a high level. Rachaad White has only rushed for 305 yards on 92 carries. While he's a threat in the passing game, the run game has hurt the offense a lot.
On the other hand, C.J. Stroud will start at quarterback for the Texans. He's been as advertised since being selected as the No. 2 overall selection by the Texans. The rookie has thrown nine touchdowns and only one interception. That's allowed the Texans to win three of their last five games.
Stroud has a lot of intriguing targets at the receiver position, including Tank Dell, who just returned from a multi-week absence due to an injury.
The run game has been split between Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary. But those are two reliable options at running back.
Despite what the stats share, the Buccaneers haven't had success against the run. The secondary has also made some mistakes this season. Even the pass rush isn't as dominant as it used to be.
As long as Stroud limits the turnovers and the Texans have success rushing the football, they should pull away at home and get back to .500 on the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans Pick
- Texans -2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on NFL Sunday Football
Think you know what's going to happen in various games on NFL Sunday this week? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
NFL Odds
