Game Details:
- Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Houston Texans (1-0)
- Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
- Time: 7:01 PM EST
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- Spread: Texans -2.5
- Total: 42.5
Preview
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Houston for a Week 2 Monday night matchup against the Texans, but they will be doing so without two of their most important offensive players. The story of this game is defined by a lopsided injury report that heavily favors the home team.
The Buccaneers’ offense has been dealt a massive blow before even taking the field. According to the team’s final injury report released on September 13, star wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. and All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs have both been ruled out for the game. The loss of Godwin removes a premier target from the passing attack, while the absence of Wirfs creates a major vulnerability in an offensive line tasked with protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes. Earlier in the week, guard Luke Goedeke also missed practice, highlighting significant concerns along the Tampa Bay front.
On the other side, the Houston Texans appear to be entering their home opener in much better shape. While official injury reports provide the latest updates, the available information suggests the Texans are the healthier squad. After a Week 1 game where they had a minimal injury report, Houston comes into this contest with a significant advantage in availability. With the home crowd behind them, the Texans’ defense will look to exploit the glaring holes on the Buccaneers’ offense.
Prediction
Injuries are the dominant factor in this contest. A small 2.5-point spread suggests these teams were viewed as nearly equal on a neutral field, but that was before Tampa Bay’s injury list grew to include two cornerstone players.
Losing both a top receiver and a franchise left tackle is often a death sentence for a road team in the NFL. The Buccaneers’ offense will likely struggle to find rhythm and, more critically, to protect its quarterback against the Texans’ pass rush. Houston doesn’t need to be spectacular to win this game; they simply need to be solid and capitalize on the significant weaknesses of their opponent. The Texans should be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and secure a comfortable home victory.
Prediction: Texans 24, Buccaneers 16
The Pick: Texans -2.5
Sources:
Bucs Injury Report | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Status – ESPN
Buccaneers Injury Report : r/buccaneers
Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa Questionable for Week 10 vs …
Buccaneers injury report: Bucky Irving was a full participant and off …
Chiefs vs. Buccaneers Injury Report – Week 9, 2024 | FOX Sports
Eagles vs. Buccaneers injury report
Raiders vs Buccaneers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 14
Eagles vs. Buccaneers Injury Report: The latest on Jalen Hurts
Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Injury Report | Battle …