Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans Week 2: Promos, Odds, Predictions, Picks & Best Bets

Chicago spotted Tennessee a 17-point edge before storming back last week, but it won’t be able to do the same against a more talented Houston team. The Texans are loaded with Stroud, Mixon and the three-headed receiving monster of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

On the other side, Williams had a quiet debut with 93 passing yards and 15 yards rushing. It’s a true miracle that the Bears are 1-0.

They won’t be as lucky this week, however, and this game should be lopsided. Houston seems likely to build an early advantage and pull away late, improving to 2-0 in the process.

Stroud did not turn the ball over last week, and if he remains efficient, this could be a long night for Chicago’s defense. The Bears only allowed 244 total yards, but the Titans still put up 140 yards on the ground, led by Tony Pollard’s 82.

Mixon had a massive afternoon against Indianapolis and appears in line for another on Sunday. If the Texans establish the run with Mixon, Stroud will be able to execute play-action passes to his receivers all day long.

This has all the makings of a blowout, so we’ll happily take Houston -6.5 on the spread.

This total implies a final score of 26-19.5, which seems like an incomprehensibly high mark for the Bears, who still don’t have an offensive touchdown and are relying on a rookie quarterback.

Texans fans have waited eight months for their team to play at NRG Stadium, and this is an excellent matchup for them to witness. Mixon should run wild and Stroud should be able to spread the ball around to his receivers. After scoring 29 points last week, Houston could very well top 30 points here.

That makes the Over the play, although we’re a little nervous Chicago won’t score enough to hold up its end of the bargain.

Joe Mixon Anytime Touchdown (-150)

These odds aren’t favorable for an anytime touchdown prop bet, but Mixon seems like a good bet to find pay dirt, especially in a blowout win. The Bears gave up a 26-yard rushing score to Pollard last week, and Houston’s efficient offense should put Mixon in position to score a short touchdown.

Collins (+155), Diggs (+170) and Dell (+210) also make intriguing anytime TD bets, as does Stroud (+320), who had three rushing touchdowns a season ago. But Mixon feels like as much of a lock as there is, and a small sprinkle on him to score multiple TDs (+390) seems like a fun play too.

Caleb Williams Over 0.5 Interceptions (-135)

Williams had a difficult time at home last week and may feel the pressure of playing in his first NFL road game in primetime, especially with Texans pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter breathing down his neck.

The former Heisman Trophy winner will likely need to throw a lot to keep up with Stroud, giving him even more opportunities to throw a pass to the wrong team.

If there was ever a time for Williams’ first NFL pick, this is it.

• Moneyline: Texans (-295). This has all the makings of a statement game for Houston, which went 7-3 at home last year. Chicago was lucky to emerge with a win last week, but the high-flying Texans won’t be as generous.
• Spread: Texans -6.5 (-110). Houston is the better team and could easily win this game at home by at least a touchdown. We’re expecting a blowout and would take this line up to -10.5.
• Total: Over 45.5 (-115). We know the Texans can score after putting up 29 points last week. They’re good enough to threaten the Over by themselves, but they’ll need some help from the Bears.
• Prop 1: Joe Mixon Anytime Touchdown (-150). Mixon scored last week and is a good bet to find the end zone again, especially if Houston jumps out to an early lead and starts running the ball.
• Prop 2: Caleb Williams Over 0.5 interceptions (-135). Williams was crafty and talented enough to avoid mistakes for much of his college career, but this is his first road start in the NFL, making a pick seem inevitable.

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