Texans fall 20-19 at home to Tampa Bay, slipping to 0-2 as the late defense couldn’t close out the two-minute drill. Mayfield’s 11-play drive sealed it after Chubb and Noel jump-started a Houston lead with a punt return and a long TD run. Houston’s run defense surrendered 169 yards, and Stroud’s rhythm with Nico Collins wavered after an early TD. Protection issues reemerged in the second half, underscoring the need for cleaner pockets and sharper tackling to stay competitive.

Offense showed bright spots early, especially Collins on the opening strike, but the passing game needs consistent targets and red-zone execution. If Houston can fix the back-end timing with Collins and tighten late-game protection, they’ll have a clearer path to turning Week 2’s lessons into Week 3 momentum.

Bucs edge Texans 20-19 in Houston, flipping the script from 2023 and escaping with a late touchdown drive after a pair of injury-riddled halves. Tampa Bay moves to 2-0, headlined by a fourth-quarter march capped by a Rachaad White score, while Baker Mayfield navigates a battered line and Emeka Egbuka shines on a crucial screen completion.

Houston pressed with a late momentum swing—Jaylin Noel’s punt return set up a Nick Chubb TD and a 19-14 lead—but the Buccaneers answered in the final minutes, aided by a late defensive stand and a Key field goal run, sealing the comeback at NRG Stadium. The win leaves Tampa Bay eyeing Week 3 with momentum and health concerns for several linemen.

Injuries dominated the storyline: Luke Goedeke exited early for Tampa Bay, Calijah Kancey left later, and the defense still found lanes to pressure Stroud. The Texans showed resilience, but the Bucs prevailed, improving mood around the division and setting up a nationally watched home matchup with the Jets.