Texans vs. Panthers: Expert predictions on the game

Earlier this week we gave you our writer predictions on who would win when the Houston Texans take on the Carolina Panthers.

It’s the first road trip for Houston as they travel to Charlotte, North Carolina. At 0-1, Houston faces a team that is 1-0 after winning on the road against Jacksonville by a score of 20-9.

The feeling here was the Texans could win this game as the majority of us selected the road team to steal a win. Are we being “homers” or do the experts see the game going the same way? Let’s look around the league and see who is favored in today’s game.

Pro Football Talk –  Mike Florio – Panthers 23, Texans 17

"The revolving door already is spinning in Houston, and Ryan Mallett could end up back on the bench during his encounter with a Carolina defense that looked stouter than expected in Week One."

Pro Football Talk –  Michael David Smith – Panthers 14, Texans 10

"Bill O’Brien won’t name his quarterback until Sunday, but Ryan Mallett will apparently get the nod. I think he’ll struggle against the Panthers. Carolina will win a low-scoring game."

CBS Sports – Pete Prisco – Panthers 27, Texans 20

"The Texans need to get back on track, but who will be the quarterback? Bill O’Brien said he would not name a starter until kickoff. Whoever he does pick has to be better than a week ago. Carolina didn’t look great in beating Jacksonville, but they found a way. They will here too as Cam Newton will make enough plays to win it."

ESPN – Tania Ganguli – Texans 16, Panthers 10

"Last week the Texans struggled with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who scored two early touchdowns. Their defense, though, will be better in sync after one week of playing together. If the Texans can avoid turning over the ball this week after giving up two turnovers last week, they’ll be able to send Ryan Mallett to a victory in his season debut."

ESPN – David Newton – Panthers 24-13

"Carolina’s defense is predicated on stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback with or without middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. For their part, the Texans weren’t great in either department offensively in their opener, rushing for 98 yards and allowing five sacks. This will come down to the Panthers’ defense dominating up front with the return of tackle Star Lotulelei."

So it looks like the majority of the picks are leaning Carolina. As far as straight picks with no analysis added on, four of the 13 experts on ESPN’s panel picked Houston, whereas the FOX Sports experts were split right down the middle as four of their eight NFL experts picked the Texans.