Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans 9/23/21 - NFL Picks & Predictions

The week three NFL schedule will kickoff with a Thursday night matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans from NRG Stadium. The Panthers (2-0) have allowed just 21 points through games and are allowing teams to convert on just 25 percent on third down. On Sunday, Carolina limited New Orleans to 128 yards of total offense and forced two turnovers during a 26-7 home victory.

First year Carolina QB Sam Darnold completed 26 of 38 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. RB Christian McCaffrey added 72 rushing yards and found the end zone for the Panthers.

The Houston Texans are expected to be among the worst teams in the NFL this season and they have scored 58 points through two games. On Sunday, Houston was outscored by ten points during the third quarter of a 31-21 road loss against Cleveland. The Texans (1-1) converted 8-for-14 on third down, but were gashed for 156 rushing yards on 34 attempts.

Houston WR Brandin Cooks caught nine passes for 78 yards and scored a touchdown. Tyrod Taylor rushed for one touchdown and threw for another before leaving the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.