Gallery: Texans defeat Bears, 19-13, in Week 2

Here are the best photos from Sunday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans.

The Texans improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2016 after securing a 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears Sunday night at NRG Stadium. Here were the best phots from the evening.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans provides update on RB Joe Mixon following potential hip-tackle

DeMeco Ryans said he would have to check the tape to see if Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards performed a hip tackle against Joe Mixon in Sunday’s win.

Joe Mixon’s season likely isn’t over, but the Houston Texans leading rusher is upset with how his night nearly ended against the Chicago Bears.

The star running back injured his ankle with 11:57 left in the third quarter after a potential illegal hip-drop tackle from Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards. Mixon caught a pass from C.J. Stroud and tried to head out of bounds to stop the clock.

Edwards wrapped him up, then rotated his hips, dropping all his weight onto the legs of Mixon, who had his right ankle caught up under Edwards’ body weight. The NFL approved a rule proposal to ban the swivel hip-drop tackle that has caused mainly lower leg injuries in recent years.

Officials did not penalize Edwards as Mixon got up limping and hobbled to the sideline before entering the medical blue tent. He went to the locker room for further treatment on the ankle before returning late in the fourth quarter.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the play “didn’t look good” from his view but that he would have to see the film evaluate the hit. If Edwards had been flagged, the Texans would have gained 15 yards and a first down en route to a 19-13 win on Sunday Night Football.

“Joe got rolled up. The guy’s weight definitely came down on his ankle,” Ryans said. “We’ll evaluate Joe throughout the week. Hopefully he’s OK.”

Mixon, who last week rushed for an NFL-leading 159 yards, only totaled one carry for seven yards after returning. He finished the night with nine carries for 25 yards.

After the game, Mixon elected not to speak to reporters but did vent his frustrations on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Pro Bowl runner said he asked the referee about the tackle at the moment before heading to the sidelines.

The answer was not what he expected.

“When I got up, I asked the ref where is the flag, that was a hip tackle. & his reply was, no it wasn’t,” Mixon posted.

Mixon, who signed a three-year extension worth $27 million this offseason, is the bellcow back for Houston. Cam Akers finished with a team-high 32 rushing yards but also coughed up the football at the 1-yard line.

“I really didn’t notice (the tackle),” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said of the hit. “I saw him kind of just fall down weird. I was like, ‘Man, that didn’t look good.’ So, I definitely am praying for him.”

Right now, Mixon’s status remains in jeopardy entering Week 3’s road test against an undefeated Minnesota Vikings roster.

“I know he’s a tough guy,” Stroud said. “Just take care of himself right now. Hope he’s back on the field soon.”

Texans RB Joe Mixon tweets out frustation on tackle in Bears game

Joe Mixon tweeted out his frustration after officials missed a hip-drop tackle during Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

The NFL made a rule to protect players by penalizing defenders for using the hip-drop tackle technique in the open field.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon felt like officials missed that during the third quarter of Sunday night’s game.

Mixon tried to push out of bounds after hauling in a pass from C.J. Stroud in the closing seconds of the third quarter, but Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards came in with the stop. When looking at the initial film, Edwards drops his weight to make Mixon collapse under the pressure.

Mixon tweeted out his frustration and clarified he reached out to officials for a further response, but they didn’t think it was enough to call a penalty.

https://twitter.com/Joe_MainMixon/status/1835546553462792333

The 2021 Pro Bowl was listed as questionable with an ankle injury and entered the medical blue tent. He then left the field to head back to the locker room for further evaluation. And while Mixon did return, it was only for seven plays in the final three series.

https://twitter.com/AryePulli/status/1835505917514907813

“Joe got rolled up,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The guy’s weight definitely came down on his ankle. It didn’t look good from my view. We’ll evaluate Joe throughout the week. Hopefully, he’s OK. I’ll have to see the film to see if it really was a hip-drop tackle.”

While the Texans secured a 19-13 victory, penalties — both called and uncalled — were a problem. Houston committed 12 penalties for 115 yards while Chicago was flagged nine times for 60 yards.

But the referees also missed plays beyond Mixon’s hip-drop offense. Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair threw a punch at Bears running back Roschon Johnson, though remained in the game despite NFL rules stating a player should be ejected once a physical altercation is present.

https://twitter.com/CowardlyDoggo/status/1835509809543553111

This isn’t the first time referees have been coy letting potential hip-drop tackles be ignored. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen thought Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei’Trel Clark delivered one last week and argued with the officials after the play.

Just before kickoff in Houston, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase argued with officials after Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie made an open-field tackle. He ended up getting a 15-yard penalty and clearly was upset that a hip drop penalty wasn’t called.

Mixon’s departure didn’t hurt the Texans’ outcome, but it kept things interesting over the final 15 minutes. Houston needs Mixon as its lead back entering Week 3’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, so his status is crucial to keeping the team afloat.

Watch: Texans DE Danielle Hunter records first sack in Houston

Houston Texans marquee signing Danielle Hunter tallied his first sack in a Texans uniform by meeting Will Anderson Jr. in the backfield.

Welcome to NRG Stadium, Danielle Hunter.

Hunter, the Houston Texans’ top defensive addition of the offseason, took down Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams for his first sack in Houston.

Hunter and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. met in the backfield to bring down the No. 1 overall pick on third-and-9 for a 10-yard loss.

Hunter, 29, signed a two-year, $49 million deal with Houston in the offseason to chase a Lombardi trophy in his hometown. The former Minnesota Viking grew up in Katy and played high school football at Morton Ranch.

In Houston’s Week 1’s 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts ,Hunter tallied two pressures

Last season was a career year for the four-time Pro Bowler, totaling 16.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, both career highs.

Hunter’s sack limited Chicago to a field goal on its opening drive.

Watch: Texans light up Houston on primetime televison

Take a look at how the Houston Texans welcomed Sunday Night Football to NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans were back in primetime for the first time in ages and the welcome party came with a bang.

With the roof open at NRG Stadium for the first time since 2021, fans were greeted by fireworks, a flyover and a game-defining welcome as the Texans take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

Here’s a video of the flyover presented by the Texans’ social media team.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1835475560195072005

 

Country singer Parker McCollum led the team out in their new “H’s Up” tradition. Fellow country singer Clay Walker preformed the national anthem.

The Texans (1-0) will look to start off 2-0 for the first time since 2016. The roof’s opening is a first on Sunday Night Football since Nov. 3, 2013 against the Indianpolis Colts.

Houston will start on offense after Chicago won the toss.

Texans vs. Bears, Week 1 injury report: Wednesday

Dalton Schultz did not practice during Wednesday’s preparation to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

The Houston Texans still remain for the most part healthy entering Sunday Night Football’s showdown against the Chicago Bears, though are missing a key weapon on offense.

Tight end Dalton Schultz did not workout during Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle injury. Defensive back M.J. Stewart, who missed last week’s 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts due to a knee injury, also did not participate.

Schultz, who inked a three-year, $36 million extension this offseason, caught three passes for 16 yards and two first downs. If he’s inactive, the Texans likely would turn to Brevin Jordan and rookie Cade Stover.

For Chicago, there were a handful of players on the injury list, including most notably wide receivers Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel). Odunze suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Allen, who was traded this offseason to Chicago from the Los Angeles Rams, reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans. It was reported that Wednesday was a planned rest day.

D.J. Moore was one of three receivers who practiced without issue, joining second-year target Tyler Scott and returner DeAndre Carter. Like John Metchie III, Scott was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s home opener. Carter, who previously played in Houston, played 13 total offensive snaps in place of Odunze.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker didn’t practice with a foot injury while offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and Kiran Amegadjie (quad) were limited.

Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who didn’t play in Week 1 due to a groin injury, returned to practice for Chicago but in limited fashion.

Houston Texans

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
TE Dalton Schultz Ankle DNP
DB M.J. Stewart Knee DNP

 

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
WR Keenan Allen heel DNP
OL Kiran Amegadjie quad LP
OL Ryan Bates shoulder/elbow LP
FB Khari Blasingame hand/knee LP
WR Rome Odunze knee DNP
DL Zacch Pickens groin LP
DL DeMarcus Walker foot DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

NFL Week 3 parlay: Let’s make some money

Assessing NFL Week 3 betting odds and lines, with predictions and picks for the best parlay bet to make.

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It is time to make some money. After looking at Tipico Sportsbook‘s NFL Week 3 odds, here is a “Let’s make some money” NFL parlay bet to cash in on among SportbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.

There are some good lines this week. There are also some strange lines you might consider. Many of these lines have been affected by injuries. Some not in ways you might expect.

The 49ers at Broncos game had a look ahead line of Broncos -2.5. With QB Trey Lance injured, the line should have moved even further toward the Broncos. Instead, it moved the other direction and QB Jimmy Garoppolo has made the 49ers a -1.5 favorite.

Make sure you are trying to get the best of the number with any of these bets. It will help as you try to make some money with me.

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NFL Week 3 Let’s make some money parlay

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:08 p.m. ET. All games Sunday and ET unless noted.

Leg 1: Texans at Bears UNDER 40.5 (-112), 1 p.m.

Neither of these teams are good.

After getting out to a 20-point lead in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans gave it all back and settled for a tie. While the Chicago Bears beat the 49ers in Week 1, much of this was due to the inclement weather and less on the skill of the Bears team.

In Week 2, the Texans went on the road and lost to a Denver Broncos team with no offense to speak. The Bears went on the road and once again were embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers 27-10 Sunday night.

This game will be a run first, defensive battle with few TDs and more FGs and punts than anything else.

With 2 woeful offenses, I will take the UNDER in this one.

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Leg 2: Eagles at Commanders OVER 46.5 (-115), 1 p.m.

The Philadelphia Eagles have averaged 31 points a game in the first 2 weeks. Jalen Hurts has shown to be a good QB so far and his ability to run extends plays which look to be dead. His connection with WR A.J. Brown and the  Eagles ability to run the ball makes this a dynamic offense. With DE Chase Young still out for the Washington Commanders, running the ball will not be an issue again this week.

Even in a loss last week, QB Carson Wentz looked solid against the Lions with 3 TDs to 1 INT. He became the first QB in history to have 300 passing yards and 3 or more TDs in their first 2 starts for a new team. Going against his former team, he has all the motivation to make it 3 in a row.

I like the Eagles to win. But not enough to make it a parlay pick. But I love the OVER.

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Leg 3: Colts +6.5 (-110) vs. Chiefs, 1 p.m.

Indy WR Michael Pittman should be back for this game after missing Week 2 at Jacksonville.

With Pittman and rookie WR Alec Pierce both out, the Colts were forced to feed RB Jonathan Taylor. Normally this would be great. But with Jacksonville able to stack the box against him, with no threat of the pass, it did not work out. Even the best RB in the game can be stopped when everyone is expecting it and geared up to stop it.

After a 5-TD performance in Week 1, Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes came back to earth in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Colts defense behind LB Shaquille Leonard will be formidable in their home opener and they will pressure Mahomes to get the ball out quickly or use the run game more often.

With both teams wanting to run the ball, I see a low-scoring game. This means a game less conducive to large spreads. So, I will lean with the UNDERDOG.

Parlay payout: Bet $10 to win $67.56 (profit $) 57.56.

Try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator.

Leg 4-*: Buccaneers -1.5 (-112) vs. Packers, 4:25 p.m.

*-If you want to add a 4th play to this parlay:

The Packers looked good in Week 2 against the Bears. QB Aaron Rodgers was back to his MVP level and RB Aaron Jones had 170 total yards and 2 TDs.

Bucs WR Mike Evans is suspended for this game, which will make it more important RB Leonard Fournette gets going and into the end zone. WR Chris Godwin being out also hurts but WR Julio Jones showed in Week 1 that he still has something left in the tank. It should be just enough to get the victory. With the line being Buccaneers -1.5, a victory is all we need.

One fun fact, Rodgers has never won a game in Florida.

Parlay payout (4 team): Bet $10 to win $127.88 (profit $117.88).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Want action on any of these games or any other sports matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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