Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers Picks and Prediction for Friday, August 28, 2026
The Houston Texans visit the Carolina Panthers on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in the preseason finale for both teams. Houston is 0-2 after falling 22-20 to Las Vegas, while Carolina is 2-1 following a convincing 34-17 victory over Jacksonville. The Texans are 2.5-point road favorites after opening at -1.5, with the total set at 35.5. Carolina has scored at least 33 points in both preseason victories, while Houston showed improvement in its second game. Cash in big with our free NFL picks.
Houston Texans Preview
Houston showed much more offensively against Las Vegas after managing only seven points in its preseason opener. C.J. Stroud played one series and completed 4 of 6 passes for 27 yards, directing a touchdown drive capped by Woody Marks' 20-yard run. Davis Mills leads Houston's preseason passers with 93 yards on 11-of-15 passing, while Marks has 37 rushing yards and a touchdown. Houston led the Raiders 20-3 at halftime before its reserves were outscored 19-0 after the break.
The Texans' defense created one of the biggest plays of the game when Wade Woodaz intercepted Fernando Mendoza and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Houston's second-string defense also pressured Mendoza throughout the first half, limiting the Raiders to one field goal across his five series. The offensive line remains an important evaluation area, with Houston still sorting through several combinations before the regular season.
Injuries: Dylan Horton is doubtful with an Achilles injury. Brevin Jordan, Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks and Wade Woodaz are questionable.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Carolina Panthers Preview
Carolina produced its best offensive showing of the preseason against Jacksonville. Bryce Young completed 5 of 6 passes for 49 yards and directed a 58-yard touchdown drive after struggling the previous week against Buffalo. Jonathon Brooks and A.J. Dillon both scored rushing touchdowns, while Jimmy Horn Jr. contributed a 39-yard run, 29-yard kickoff return and 15-yard reception. Kenny Pickett has also provided steady reserve quarterback play, completing 15 of 25 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown this preseason.
The Panthers have scored 81 points through three preseason games, including 67 across their two victories. Carolina also played without several projected starters against Jacksonville, yet still built a 27-6 advantage through three quarters. With Young and other regulars potentially sitting after getting productive work last week, Pickett and the reserves should carry much of the workload in the finale.
Injuries: Haynes King, Xavier Legette, Chuba Hubbard, Jaelan Phillips and Derrick Brown are questionable.
Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers Prediction
Houston's first-half performance against Las Vegas was encouraging, but its reserves could not protect a 17-point advantage. That becomes important in a preseason finale where backup players should handle most of the snaps. Carolina has already played three exhibition games and has received much better production from the lower portions of its roster. Pickett also gives the Panthers a proven quarterback option if Young sits as expected. Houston can create defensive pressure and should keep this competitive, but Carolina's scoring production and deeper preseason rotation make the home underdog attractive. The Panthers have shown they can continue moving the football after their starters leave, which could again decide the second half. Final Score Prediction: Carolina Panthers win and cover ATS 21-17.
Betting on the NFL?
- Be sure to look our our list of the best NFL online sportsbooks
- Grow your bankroll by claiming one of our favorite NFL sportsbook promo codes
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days
Blue Jays Playoff Chances at 27% on Polymarket Live Odds
The Toronto Blue Jays remain in the American League playoff race, but their margin for error continues to shrink as the final month of the...
Best Picks
- Carolina Panthers +2.5
- Over 35.5
