Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 9 game
The Houston Texans (3-4) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) in Week 9 as both teams are seeking to rebound from losses.
The Buccaneers are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak in the road game at NRG Stadium. They've had a few extra days of preparation after they lost 24-18 to the Buffalo Bills to open Week 8 on Thursday. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns in the effort. He has thrown a season-high 42 times in Tampa Bay's last two outings.
CJ Stroud and the Texans lost 15-13 to fellow No. 1 pick Bryce Young as the Carolina Panthers got their first win of the season. Stroud went 16-of-24 for 140 yards and rushed in a score. They had their bye in the previous week. The rookie has thrown for 1,800 yards so far this season and has nine touchdowns and only one interception.
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Texans vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Texans are favorites to defeat the Buccaneers, 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 (-2.5)
Moneyline: Texans (-150); Buccaneers (+125)
Over/under: 40
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NFL Week 9 odds, predictions and picks
Steelers vs. Titans | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Falcons vs. Vikings | Ravens vs. Seahawks | Browns vs. Cardinals | Packers vs. Rams | Texans vs. Buccaneers | Patriots vs. Commanders | Saints vs. Bears | Panthers vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Giants | Eagles vs. Cowboys | Bengals vs. Bills | Jets vs. Chargers
Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 20, Buccaneers 15
This all comes down to which version of Baker Mayfield we see. The Texans actually have a decent defense, especially in the red zone, where the Buccaneers rank 28th in the NFL (41%).
Tyler Dragon: Texans 24, Buccaneers 20
Rookies CJ Stroud and Will Anderson have been huge for a young Texans team. The Texans are coming off a surprising loss, but they get some home cooking this week against a Bucs team that struggles offensively.
Safid Deen: Buccaneers 27, Texans 23
Baker Mayfield won’t be harassed as much as he was in Buffalo last Thursday, and his star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should fare well. The Texans showed they’re not as far along in their rebuild as they will eventually be in their loss to the Panthers last week.
Victoria Hernandez: Texans 20, Buccaneers 17
DeMeco Ryans will get his team back on track after losing a battle last week. The Texans' defense is stout enough to give CJ Stroud room to breathe against the Buccaneers. The young quarterback also protects the ball well. Tampa Bay has lost three straight games, including two home games, where they scored an average of 12 points.
Jordan Mendoza: Buccaneers 24, Texans 22
After an inspiring start, Tampa Bay’s offense has crumbled in recent weeks. The Houston defense has been stout this season to give CJ Stroud opportunities to succeed, but the Buccaneers playing desperation football leads to a big day for Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans.
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: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans: Game predictions, picks, odds
