Week 2 of the NFL season presents us with an interesting matchup as the Houston Texans host the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium.
The Bears and Texans both won their opening matchups, albeit under different circumstances. The Bears battled back from a 17-3 deficit to beat the Titans 24-17 without scoring an offensive touchdown, while the Texans flexed their offensive muscle against the Colts.
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Houston Texans favored over Chicago Bears for SNF game
Today’s Sportsbook Boosts & Promos
How the Houston Texans could win this game and cover the spread
The Texans’ offense did the business against the Colts, scoring 29 points and totaling 417 offensive yards — second-most in the NFL during Week 1 — as C.J. Stroud continued his fast trajectory, completing 75% of his passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud and the offense have proven that they can score on anyone and in bunches, but their path to victory is even sweeter if they can disrupt the rhythm of Bears No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
Growing pains were apparent for Williams in his NFL debut, as he completed 48.3% of his passes and averaged just 3.2 yards per attempt while being sacked twice, and those moments could carry over into Week 2. Per PFF, Williams completed just one of seven pass attempts when pressured in Week 1. The Texans registered two sacks in Week 1 while pressuring Anthony Richardson seven times, and the pass rush has the chops to disrupt Williams and the Bears in Week 2.
How the Chicago Bears could cover the spread
The Bears head into Houston off the back of a strong defensive and special teams performance. A game-winning pick-six from Tyrique Stevenson was enough to seal a second-half comeback against the Titans, but the offense left a lot to be desired in Caleb Williams’ first career start. He’ll likely progress as the season continues, but the Bears will have to hope that their run defense is strong against the Texans.
The Texans rushed for 213 yards against the Indianapolis Colts, the most of any team in Week 1, as Joe Mixon carried the ball 30 times for 159 yards and a touchdown. The Texans’ offensive line punished the Colts’ defensive front throughout the game, and the Bears should be wary of that same fate, especially as they allowed 140 yards on the ground to the Titans.
