Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 8 game
Get ready for the top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft to face off for the first time in their young careers as the Carolina Panthers (0-6) visit the Houston Texans (3-3).
It hasn't been the ideal start for Bryce Young's first NFL season as his squad remains the only team to capture a win this season, with their last result a 21-point loss against the high-powered Miami Dolphins. Yet, the team showed flashes of potential in the loss, and coming off a bye week, could be poised to get the first victory of the year.
Houston has been one of the most impressive teams this season as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has led his team to three wins in their past four games. Now another win could get the Texans to over .500 and a possible playoff run.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Panthers vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under
The Texans are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Spread: Texans (-3)
Moneyline: Texans (-160); Panthers (+135)
Over/under: 43.5
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PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
NFL Week 8 odds, predictions and picks
Bills vs. Buccaneers | Panthers vs. Texans | Cowboys vs. Rams | Packers vs. Vikings | Colts vs. Saints | Dolphins vs. Patriots | Giants vs Jets | Steelers vs. Jaguars | Titans vs. Falcons | Commanders vs. Eagles | Seahawks vs. Browns | Cardinals vs. Ravens | Broncos vs. Chiefs | 49ers vs. Bengals | Chargers vs. Bears | Lions vs. Raiders
Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 25, Panthers 9
Both teams are coming off the bye, but Carolina is winless and has yet to cover a single game. The Texans are playing efficiently and protecting the ball and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is a big reason why.
Tyler Dragon: Texans 21, Panthers 17
Bryce Young was the consensus No. 1 quarterback prospect entering the 2023 draft, but it’s been C.J. Stroud who’s played better in Year 1. Young and the Panthers are still looking for their first win.
Safid Deen: Texans 24, Panthers 18
The Panthers will win one at some point this season, right? Carolina is winless and there’s plenty of frustration to go around from Bryce Young to Frank Reich and the rest of the franchise. But the Houston Texans’ rebuild is off to a better start behind C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans, and it will continue this week at Carolina.
Victoria Hernandez: Texans 23, Panthers 19
In a battle of the rookie quarterbacks, Houston has found some rhythm with their offense and C.J. Stroud while Carolina has been sputtering with Bryce Young trying to figure out his role and navigating injury. The Panthers will get a win this season but look lower down the schedule to maybe the Colts or even the Falcons. The Texans know how it feels, but the NFL has no room for pity parties.
Jordan Mendoza: Texans 23, Panthers 22
The Panthers continue to show improvement and it feels like they are close to getting their first win of the season with a prime opportunity this week at home. But the Houston offense has been more in sync, and they win a close matchup to get C.J. Stroud the upper hand against the No. 1 pick and their first win against Carolina since 2007.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers: Game predictions, picks, odds
