In a matchup that looks more intriguing now than before the start of the season, the Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans could see one team lay down a marker as a potential playoff challenger. Let’s look at the current lines and NFL odds, a prediction for the game, the TV channel, and how to live stream the Panthers vs. Texans Week 3 NFL game.
Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans prediction and odds for Week 3
Odds from DraftKings sportsbook.
[bet-promo id=”149453″]- Spread: Panthers -8
- Moneyline: Panthers -450, Texans +340
- Over/Under: 43 (Over -110, Under -110)
Panthers have performed well through two weeks
Not many people would have believed you before the season if you had said the Panthers would be a 7-point favorite heading into Houston for a Thursday Night Football game. However, the Panthers have looked extremely impressive through their first two weeks. They beat the Saints in Week 2, who were coming off a huge win against the Packers.
Sam Darnold has looked refreshed in this Joe Brady offense. After two weeks, he is 11th in the league for passing yards (584) and middle of the pack in terms of touchdown percentage. While those numbers might not be amazing, they are a significant improvement on his time in New York.
As good as the offensive skill positions are around Darnold, the defense has stood out for the Panthers. Limiting the Jets’ offense was expected, but keeping the Saints to just 7 points should certainly be applauded.
Texans will be without Tyrod Taylor in Week 3
Taylor left the field with a hamstring injury during their Week 2 matchup with the Browns and will miss this week’s Thursday Night Football matchup. His absence is a large part of why the Panthers vs. Texans lines and odds are heavily in favor of Carolina.
With Taylor, the Texans were off to a strong start. During the Week 2 game, they gave the Browns a scare early and had a real shot at winning. Taylor’s injury ended that, but the fact a team many had written off was hanging tough with a potential Super Bowl contender was a promising sign for the organization.
Panthers vs. Texans prediction
It is hard to see how the Texans win this game. QB Davis Mills was a promising prospect, but he was also expected to require some development. Instead, he will be making his first start in Week 3 of his rookie season. Even against a young defense, that is a tough ask with limited receiving weapons around him.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have looked polished on both sides of the ball. You could argue that they have not been tested by the Jets and an emotionally exhausted Saints team. Still, there is a chance they underestimate this game, but they should have the talent to win against a Mills-led Texans team.
Week 3 NFL prediction: Panthers 24, Texans 17
How to watch Panthers vs. Texans this week
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- TV channel: NFL Network
- Start time: 8:15 PM
- Live streaming options:
- Sling
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu