Raiders and Texans set for low-scoring clash in NFL preseason Week 2
Betting expert Jeff Hochman predicts an under 40.5 total points outcome for Thursday’s matchup at Reliant Stadium, citing defensive struggles from both sides in their opening preseason losses.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans are scheduled to meet in Week 2 of the NFL preseason on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Reliant Stadium. Both teams are seeking their first victory of the exhibition season after suffering defeats in their opening matchups. The Raiders fell 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, while the Texans lost 27-7 to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sports betting expert Jeff Hochman, who holds a 99-88-3 record over the past five NFL seasons, has issued a prediction for the contest. Hochman leans towards the under on the total points line, which is set at 40.5 via SportsLine consensus. His analysis is grounded in the low-scoring performances delivered by both squads in Week 1, where Las Vegas managed 14 points and Houston scored just seven.
Las Vegas is listed as a 1.5-point favourite for the game. The Raiders, who finished last in the AFC West with a 3-14 record last season, will look to improve their road performance, which stood at 1-7 in 2025. Conversely, the Texans placed second in the AFC South with a 12-5 record and were 7-2 on their home field during the previous regular season.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to receive another extended look for the Raiders. The Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. also made an impact in his debut, carrying the ball six times for 63 yards, including a 53-yard run.
For Houston, Davis Mills is poised to start following a knee injury sustained by backup quarterback Graham Mertz. Mills completed nine of 15 passes for 82 yards and a score in the team’s Week 1 loss. The Texans’ running game will see Noah Whittington look to build on his 40-yard effort from 13 carries last week.
The Texans have been forced to adjust their roster depth after placing Josh Pitsenberger on injured reserve. Pitsenberger suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 after rushing for 33 yards on nine carries. With both teams testing their depth and offensive cohesion, the focus remains on whether the defensive units can maintain the low-scoring trend established in the opening week.
