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NFL Overreactions Week 2: Philly wins, Browning steps up for Bengals

Sports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon overreacts to some of the best games from Sunday’s Week 2 slate.

Sports Seriously

The second week of the 2025 NFL season wraps up tonight with a Week 2 “Monday Night Football” doubleheader – because two games are always better than one.

It’s the first “Monday Night Football” doubleheader of the season, which kicks off in Houston with the Texans hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their home opener. It’ll be a battle between two 2024 playoff teams.

The visitors are coming in off a Week 1 victory in which they bested the Atlanta Falcons, 23-20. Tampa Bay has ruled the NFC South for the last four seasons – crowned division champs in each – and is looking to start 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season.

Meanwhile, Houston took a tough road loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and the offense sputtered, failing to score a touchdown in the game, ultimately losing 14-9. Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will look to make an impact against the Buccaneers’ offensive line that will be without All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs for the second straight week.

Tampa Bay’s offense is also missing wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle he suffered last season. Still, the Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions; rookie Emeka Egbuka will look to replicate the success he achieved in his NFL debut alongside Mike Evans.

Houston’s defense is the team’s strength, led by coach DeMeco Ryans. The offense is aiming to gain momentum and secure a victory for the first time in 2025. Tampa Bay looks to improve to 2-0 despite starting the season with consecutive road matchups.

USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from “Monday Night Football” below.

Houston takes advantage of the gift from Tampa’s special teams unit and turns that miscue into six. Chubb waltzes in for the touchdown from 25 yards out, but the two-point try fails. The Texans will try to hold onto a five-point lead with just over two minutes to go.

Texans 19, Buccaneers 14

The special teams issues continue for the Buccaneers, who just gave up a 50-yard punt return to the rookie Noel. For those keeping score, that’s a missed field goal, blocked punt and big punt return for Tampa tonight.

Someone alert the scoreboard operator because we have points in Houston. Of course, the Texans didn’t even move an inch on the drive after the blocked punt, but it’s the thought that counts here. Fairbairn knocks it through from 53 yards out, and we have a one-point game in the Space City.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 13

After Mayfield forced his own fumble, Tampa was forced to punt. Unfortunately for them, it also led to Riley Dixon having his punt blocked and Houston takes over at the Tampa 35. It’s almost like neither team wants to win. 

The McLaughlin miss doesn’t come back to haunt the Buccaneers just yet. Stroud marched his offense down to the one-yard line, and Houston can’t punch it in – opting for two passes in the three-play sequence. Perhaps turning it off and turning it back on again might help these offenses figure it out. Tampa Bay takes over deep in its territory.

Houston is attempting to take advantage of McLaughlin’s miss and is set up around midfield to start the fourth quarter, trailing by four. There was no scoring in the third and even less action, but this contest is far from over. Buckle up.

Just when you thought the scoreboard operator would have to wake up from a nap, McLaughlin had other ideas. The Tampa kicker doinks one off the upright from 38 yards out, leaving the Bucs’ lead at four.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

If you were enjoying the offense early on, we have bad news. There is a problem with the scoring in Houston and the teams have traded punts in the third quarter. Whether that is good defense or bad offense, you be the judge. Houston has the ball on its own 36 to start the next drive.

The hot start from these two offenses feels like a distant memory now. Defenses have instead taken center stage, and that continued to open the third quarter. Mayfield couldn’t get anything going and the Buccaneers punt after picking up one first down. Now it’s Stroud’s turn to find some rhythm for his crew.

Completions/attempts (%): 13/18 (72.2%)Passing yards: 109Passing TDs: 2INTs: 0Rating: 124.5  Rush attempts: 1Rushing yards: 2Completions/attempts (%): 8/13 (61.5%)Passing yards: 131Passing TDs: 1INTs: 0Rating: 121Rush attempts: 3Rushing yards: 21Catches (Targets): 1 (3)Receiving yards: 29Touchdowns: 1Catches (Targets): 4 (5)Receiving yards: 29Touchdowns: 1

The pace slowed in the second quarter, but the Bucs will be pleased with that reality as they take a 14-10 lead into the intermission. Tampa gets the ball to start the second half, trying to extend its lead.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

It was a much-needed stop for DeMeco Ryans’ crew, and they delivered. Getting off the field and keeping the deficit at four. C.J. Stroud goes back to work at his own 30 right after the broadcast pays some bills.

The Bucs’ defensive lineman has been ruled out after suffering a pectoral injury. Tampa’s front seven has been disruptive at times in the first half, but losing Kancey would be a tough loss for a team that lacks proven depth at the position.

Our first punt of the night comes from the home side as the Texans can’t answer the previous touchdown. Tampa takes over backed up in their own end, hoping to extend the lead.

Egbuka scored and it’s a moot point now, but the Texans’ Kamari Lassiter didn’t have much of a chance to tackle the rookie on the play. He was tripped by a diving Charlie Heck, which should’ve been a flag on Tampa. Instead, it’s seven points for the Bucs and a possible turning point for the Texans.

Second verse, same as the first. There is no resistance as Mayfield connects with the rookie Egbuka for the 15-yard touchdown. The Bucs jump out in front for the first time tonight, taking a four-point lead five minutes into the second quarter.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

An entertaining and fast-paced opening quarter has come to a close with the home side leading by a field goal. Tampa will begin the second quarter with the ball around midfield, looking for more points on its second drive. 

Defense is optional in the early going. The Texans marched right back down the field on their second drive but are forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Fairbairn after a holding penalty backed them up.

Texans 10, Buccaneers 7

Unlike Sunday night’s action, touchdowns are on the menu in Houston. Baker Mayfield marches his Bucs down the field in just nine plays before lobbing one up for Ryan Miller. The 2023 undrafted free agent comes down with it for the 20-yard score, the third touchdown of his career.

Texans 7, Buccaneers 7

Collins only saw five targets in Week 1, finishing with three catches for 25 yards. Houston is quickly trying to flip the script in Week 2 and its star delivered in a big way. Here’s a closer look.

The Texans are off to a quick start on Monday night in H-Town as Collins makes his presence known. The star receiver hauls in the 29-yard touchdown, successfully getting both feet in bounds to give his team the early lead. It was so nice, the booth wanted to get another look before confirming it.

Texans 7, Buccaneers 0

What time does the Texans vs. Buccaneers game start?Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday. It’s the first of the “Monday Night Football” doubleheader in Week 2.

What TV channel is Texans vs. Buccaneers?

The Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will be simulcast on ABC and ESPN on Monday night.

Where to watch Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Texans vs. Buccaneers is the first of the “Monday Night Football” doubleheader tonight.

Date: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025Time: 7:00 p.m. ETLocation: NRG Stadium in Houston, TXTV: ABC and ESPNStreaming: ESPN Unlimited | ESPN Select | Fubo

Watch all the action from the 2025 NFL season on Fubo

Texans vs. Buccaneers live odds, moneyline, over/underBuccaneers vs. Texans injury report

Sometimes it boils down to the roster, and the Buccaneers simply have a better roster at the moment. The Texans offensive line is no bueno, the receiver situation is pretty questionable. The defense did look good in Week 1, as they held the Rams and the trio of Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to just 14 points. They take a small step down in competition this week vs. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, but expect the Bucs to play well on the road and snatch the win.

Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Texans 17

The Texans third-year quarterback has only played in one Monday Night Football game in his career – a 2024 Week 11 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He aims to make it 2-0 in prime time tonight.

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Baker Mayfield is in the building for “Monday Night Football.”

1. Buffalo Bills (+500)2. Baltimore Ravens (+550)T3. Green Bay Packers (+650)T3. Philadelphia Eagles (+650)T4. Detroit Lions (+1400)T4. Kansas City Chiefs (+1400)5. Los Angeles Chargers (+1800)6. Los Angeles Rams (+2000)7. San Francisco 49ers (+2200)8. Denver Broncos (+2500)

Stroud was a talented high school basketball player, and he utilizes the sport before NFL games to prepare his body.

A potential return date for Mixon is unclear. If he manages to start practicing again (relatively) soon, that could mean a return as soon as Week 5 in Baltimore. Given the Texans have a Week 6 bye, they could also choose to take advantage of an extra week of preparation for Mixon and bring him back for Week 7’s game in Seattle.

The veteran Texans running back missed all of the team’s offseason workouts, and Houston placed Mixon on the reserve/non-football injury list before the season began. At the very least, that means Mixon will miss the first four games of the regular season. – Jack McKessy

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin‘s brutal ankle injury cut short his 2024 season, which was on pace to be the best of his career. This week, the window opened for the star receiver to make his return soon.

Tampa Bay originally indicated Godwin could make an early-season return when they activated him from the PUP list in late August. On Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Godwin was returning to practice for the first time since suffering the injury.

Rapoport’s report indicated that Godwin is returning to practice Thursday. He will begin ramping up for a return to game action in the coming weeks. NFL Network’s Judy Battista followed up Rapoport’s post saying that Godwin won’t make his 2025 debut until October. – Jack McKessy

The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups. 

Thursday, Sept. 11Green Bay Packers 27, Washington Commanders 18Sunday, Sept. 14Baltimore Ravens 27, Cleveland Browns 10Cincinnati Bengals 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 27Dallas Cowboys 40, New York Giants 37Detroit Lions 52, Chicago Bears 21New England Patriots 33, Miami Dolphins 27San Francisco 49ers 26, New Orleans Saints 21Buffalo Bills 30, New York Jets 10Seattle Seahawks 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 17Los Angeles Rams 33, Tennessee Titans 19Arizona Cardinals 27, Carolina Panthers 22Indianapolis Colts 29, Denver Broncos 28Philadelphia Eagles 20, Kansas City Chiefs 17Atlanta Falcons 22, Minnesota Vikings 6