Week 2 of the preseason brings us a matchup between two teams with very different trajectories but the same goal this August: figuring out who’s ready for meaningful football. The Carolina Panthers are still looking to climb out of a rebuild, while the Houston Texans are fine-tuning for another playoff push. Both come into Saturday’s game off Week 1 losses, but the storylines go far beyond the scoreboard.
Where Do the Two Teams Stand Ahead of the Preseason Game?
The Panthers opened their preseason at home against the Cleveland Browns and took a 30-10 loss, but the game had its moments. Third-year quarterback Bryce Young played two series and looked sharp, completing 4-of-6 passes for 58 yards and connecting with wide receiver Jalen Coker for a touchdown.
Top draft pick Tetairoa McMillan flashed his big-play potential with two catches for 43 yards, including a 30-yard reception, though he’ll be replaying a dropped potential touchdown in his head. Andy Dalton took over after Young and completed 13-of-19 passes for 101 yards, but threw an interception that led directly to a Cleveland score.
In Houston, the Texans lost to the Minnesota Vikings 20–10 in their preseason opener. They rested most of their starters, much like Carolina did. The offense faltered after a brief touchdown drive led by quarterback Davis Mills.
Rookie quarterback Graham Mertz didn’t really live up to expectations after throwing three interceptions in the second half. However, enough review; let’s take a look at all the information you need for this week’s matchup.
Where To Watch the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans?
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
How to Watch:
- TV: Panthers TV Network (Carolina), KHOU-CBS (Houston)
- Live Stream: NFL+ and NFL Network
- Radio: WRFX 99.7 FM The Fox (Carolina), SportsRadio 610 (Houston)
- Spread: Houston -3
- Total Points: O/U 38.5
- Moneyline: Houston -155, Carolina +135
Look Ahead to the 2025 Regular Season
For Carolina, the preseason is about growth. New playmakers like McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. give Young more weapons. At the same time, free agent signings Tre’von Moehrig and Patrick Jones II are expected to help a defense that finished last in several key categories in 2024. Head coach Dave Canales enters his second season trying to build on a late-year offensive surge while fixing a defense that too often puts them in a hole.
Some Panthers notes:
+ This route by Tetairoa McMillan is very good. Gives himself room to stay in bounds.
+ He was in the slot on Play 2.
+ Rico Dowdle played on 3rd-and-6 in the first drive.
+ Legette was WR2. Thielen played as WR3.
+ Jalen Coker out-played both of them. pic.twitter.com/v8WbE817pY
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 9, 2025
Houston, meanwhile, comes in with high expectations. They’re fresh off a 10-7 season, an AFC South title, and a Divisional Round playoff appearance. The Texans believe they’re built to contend with quarterback C.J. Stroud entering Year 3 and head coach DeMeco Ryans already establishing a strong defensive culture.
This offseason brought big changes, including the additions of Christian Kirk, rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and a new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley. Protecting Stroud is the priority, and the Texans’ retooled offensive line will be under the microscope this preseason.
Saturday’s game will unlikely see extended snaps from either team’s core starters, but that doesn’t mean it won’t matter.
For the Panthers, it’s about building chemistry between Young and his new weapons while avoiding the mistakes that hurt them in Week 1. For the Texans, it’s about seeing how the depth behind Stroud handles game speed and whether their revamped receiving corps can shine even without their QB1 on the field.
