This Sunday, the top two picks from the 2023 NFL draft will face off in Charlotte. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud were the top two QBs and picks from the 2023 draft but have had different starts to their NFL careers.
It’s the first time since 2021 that the top two picks have faced off as rookies. That matchup saw the Jets Zach Wilson beating Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.
Let’s dive into the odds and best bets for this matchup.
Texans vs Panthers Odds
NFL odds used for this Houston vs Carolina preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.ET.
- Moneyline: Texans (-160) • Panthers (+135)
- Spread: Texans -3 (-105) • Panthers +3 (-115)
- Total Points: Over 43.5 (-110) • Under 43.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Texans 23.25, Panthers 20.25
Texans vs Panthers Predictions
Score Pick: Texans 27, Panthers 20
The Panthers have the worst record in the NFL and are the only remaining team without a win this year. A lot of that is because of their defense, which is giving up 31 points per game, tied for worst in the league.
Their offense has not been much better, as Young is last among starting QBs in QBR (32.1). Young dealt with an injury earlier in the season, but in five games this year, he only has six touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Stroud is putting on a very impressive start to his NFL career. He has a QBR of 57, which ranks him 16th among starting QBs. The Texans are letting their young QB sling the ball as he’s accumulated 1,660 yards passing with nine touchdowns and only one interception in six games.
New Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has brought a defensive-minded mentality to the team, which has led to their 3-3 record. The defense is containing their opposition to only 18.8 points per game, which is eighth best in the NFL.
I expect the Texans offense to have a field day in this contest and cause enough disruption on defense to win this game handily.
Texans vs Panthers Best Bets & Props
Texans -3 (-105)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Despite how well Stroud has looked this season, the Texans cover this spread because of their defense. The Panthers running game has yet to get going this year, averaging only 98 yards per game on the ground, forcing Young to try and win games with his arm.
Stroud and the Texans offense will get out to a lead, which will be too much for the Panthers offense to combat. I expect the Texans to cover the three points in this game, and that’s why it’s my NFL bet of the week.
Over 43.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Panthers have the worst defense in the NFL statistically, and the Texans are fifth in the NFL in passing yards per game. This game can potentially be a shootout since the one weakness for the Texans is their pass defense.
If the Panthers are trailing in this contest, it will force them to throw the ball, which could lead to a high-scoring game. Only two of the Texans’ six games have gone over the game total, but that was when they faced tougher defenses like the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons.
Nico Collins Over 51.5 Receiving Yards (-130)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Nico Collins has exceeded this mark in four games this season, averaging 91.16 yards per game. He is Stroud’s favorite target in the passing game and is a field stretcher for this offense.
The Panthers secondary will not be able to contain Collins, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes over this mark in the first half of the game.
Texans vs Panthers Same Game Parlay
Texans vs Panthers SGP (+182)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Texans (-160)
- CJ Stroud Alt Passing Yards 200+ (-380)
- Nico Collins Alt Receiving Yards 50+ (-135)
If this game is closer than expected, instead of adding the spread to the parlay, I have the Texans moneyline. Houston should win this game on the road, and it is a nice starting piece to a parlay.
Stroud has hit the 200-yard passing mark in five of six games this season. The only contest he did not hit the 200-yard passing mark was against the Saints when he had 199 yards through the air.
The Panthers secondary only allows 197.8 yards per game through the air but are giving up an average of 10.5 yards per pass. Collins is a big play threat and will capitalize against this defense.
