Panthers vs. Texans: 5 Bold predictions for NFL Week 3, Thursday Night Football

The unbeaten Carolina Panthers travel to face the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 3.

Let’s not kid ourselves, the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans playing to kick off NFL Week 3 on Thursday Night Football isn’t exactly the marquee matchup that every fan would want. But at the same time, we said the same about Washington-Giants last week and that was a fantastic game on Thursday.

Thus, we should give a 2-0 Panthers team facing a shocking frisky Texans team starting a talented but extremely raw rookie quarterback the benefit of the doubt. There is definitely intrigue there and perhaps that will result in an entertaining game for NFL fans.

But how will things play out at NRG Stadium in Houston? We have five bold predictions for the matchup to try and project what the Panthers and Texans have in store for us in primetime as the road team is an 8.0-point favorite according to WynnBet.

Bold predictions for Panthers and Texans on Thursday Night Football

5. Brian Burns sacks Davis Mills three times 

There was hype about Brian Burns breaking out in year three for Carolina and, thus far, it looks as if that might be happening. Not only does he have two sacks already with two additional tackles for loss, but he’s also just consistently impressed on film. Even though Laremy Tunsil is a great name and talented tackle, he can’t match the explosiveness off the edge from Burns, which will make life tough for Houston rookie Davis Mills.

4. But Davis Mills does throw for 250+ yards

Seeing regular-season NFL action for the first time once Tyrod Taylor went out, Davis Mills looked about as expected, throwing for 102 yards, one touchdown and one pick on 8-of-18 passing. But, against this Panthers defense, he’ll rack up some stats, albeit late in garbage time. The rookie will have to throw a ton and, even if it’s done erratically, the Stanford product will top 250 yards.

Make your NFL Week 3 picks on WynnBet

3. And Brandin Cooks hits 130 yards again

One of the primary reasons I have faith in Mills putting up those numbers is Brandin Cooks. The veteran pass-catcher has been a star with 132 yards in Week 1 before 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. On Thursday night, he’ll get over that 130-yard mark again as Mills will look his way incredibly often given an already thin receiving corps now being a tad banged up at this time.

2. Christian McCaffrey dominates with 100 yards rushing and receiving

For as much as the narrative around the Panthers has focused on Sam Darnold, Christian McCaffrey remains the focus of the offense. That won’t change against this Texans defense and the running back will feast. He’ll gash them in all facets early before helping to ice the game in the rushing attack. The bastion of versatility will highlight that with another 100/100 game as a rusher and receiver.

1. Panthers move to 3-0 with 21+ point win

Even with garbage time, I don’t see how the Texans keep this close with Carolina. They don’t have the defensive personnel to stop any of the weapons and their offense is starting a backup rookie quarterback against the NFL’s best defense through two weeks. That won’t end well and the result will be a no-doubt victory for the Panthers to stay undefeated.