HOUSTON, Texas — Baker Mayfield leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football” today – Monday, Sept. 15 – at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Today’s game will broadcast live on ABC and ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central). Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch this game for free by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $35 off your first month.
FuboTV also has a free trial and $30 off your first month.
The most flexible option isSling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.
This game is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $11.99 per month (or $119.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus.
Check out a complete rundown of this week’s NFL matchups, including the schedule, predictions, previews, TV information and more.
BUCCANEERS – TEXANS Matchup Preview
The Buccaneers (1-0) are flying high after their thrilling 23-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in their NFL opener. Tampa Bay is trying to replicate their NFC South triumph last season, before bowing out at the hands of the Washington Commanders in the wildcard game.
Tampa Bay is banged up in a myriad of ways. It’s without star left tackle Tristan Wirfs and receiver Chris Godwin, among others.
Gelling pieces like rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka will need to elevate their play. The former Ohio State standout is coming off an explosive opener with four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per reception.
Mayfield, a former No. 1 overall pick, completed 17 of 32 for 167 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner against the Falcons.
Veteran receiver Mike Evans hauled in five receptions for 51 yards.
The Buccaneers’ rushing attack was surprisingly stuffed in their season debut. Bucky Irving tallied 14 carries for 37 yards, while Rachaad White managed just two carries for 14 yards.
Watch Buccaneers vs. Texans on DIRECTV for free
The Texans (0-1) offense looked like it was stuck in quicksand as the Los Angeles Rams sneaked past for the ugly 14-9 victory.
Houston is battling multiple injuries to key offensive playmakers, including receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon. Their defense, after just one game, is widely considered one of the best in the league, guided by the sensational play of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Stroud, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, finished 19 of 27 for 188 yards and one interception. He added five carries for 32 yards in the loss.
Top receiving target Nico Collins was limited to just three receptions for 25 yards. Stroud should have considerably more time to find his go-to guy this week.
Dalton Schultz is the only option in a decimated tight end room. He could have a busy evening after snagging three receptions for 28 yards last week.
Houston mustered just 2 of 9 on third down attempts against a vicious Rams front, part of a woeful uphill climb all afternoon.
Nick Chubb, who made his Texans debut, tallied 13 carries for 60 yards.
Both teams are seeking a playoff berth for the third consecutive season.
BUCCANEERS – TEXANS Last Game Recap
The Buccaneers slipped past the Atlanta Falcons with some late-minute drama, while the Texans looked handcuffed against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Won 23-20 against the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener on Sept. 7.
Houston Texans: Lost 14-9 against the Los Angeles Rams in the season opener on Sept. 7.
BUCCANEERS- TEXANS Players to Watch
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield, RB Bucky Irving, RB Rachaad White, WR Mike Evans, WR Emeka Egbuka
Houston Texans: QB CJ Stroud, RB Nick Chubb, WR Nico Collins, CB Derek Stingley Jr., TE Dalton Schultz
Watch Buccaneers vs. Texans for free on FuboTV
BUCCANEERS – TEXANS Injury report
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Benjamin Morrison (quadriceps), OT Luke Goedeke (foot) and S Christian Izien (oblique) are all questionable.
WR Chris Godwin (ankle) and OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) are both out.
WR Jaden Smith (undisclosed), WR Jalen McMillan (neck), S JJ Roberts (knee) and LB David Walker (knee) are all on injured reserve.
Houston Texans: C Jake Andrews (ankle), WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring), WR Christian Kirk (hamstring), DE Denico Autry (knee), RB Joe Mixon (foot/ankle), CB Alijah Huzzie (undisclosed), WR Tank Dell (knee), DT Kurt Hinish (undisclosed) and S Jimmie Ward (undisclosed) are all out.
TE Cade Stover (foot), S Jaylen Reed (ankle), TE Irv Smith Jr. (ankle), TE Brevin Jordin (knee) and Kyonte Hamilton (ankle) are all on injured reserve.
Who is announcing Buccaneers vs. Texans?
Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (analyst) will be the announcers while Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge report from the sidelines.
What are the latest odds for Buccaneers vs. Texans?
Spread: TB: (+2.5), HOU: (-2.5)
Moneyline: TB: (+119), HOU: (-140)
Point total: 42.5
Odds from DraftKings
How to Watch BUCCANEERS – TEXANS
What: NFL Week 2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
When: Sept. 15, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central)
Where: NRG Stadium | Houston, Texas
Channel: ABC and ESPN
Best Streaming Options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month), FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and ESPN Streaming
What is FuboTV?
FuboTV, which features a free trial and $30 off your first month if you sign up for the Pro or Elite plans, is a streaming service that offers over 200 channels. It offers sports, entertainment, news, business and more. The service also offers on-demand options, including full television shows. You may access this service on multiple devices, including computers, phones, tablets and more.
There are four plans which are Latino, Pro, Elite and Premier ranging from $32.99- $99.99.
What is DIRECTV?
DIRECTV, which offers a free trial and $30 off your first month, lets you enjoy live TV and on-demand services without a contract through multiple packages. These include the entertainment package, the choice package + sports pack, the ultimate package + sports pack. The prices range from $79.99-$109.99.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV users can now get a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly Pass for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for the first five months and $45.99 per month thereafter. You can also subscribe to either the Blue package or the Orange package depending on your viewing preferences. Sling Blue allows up to three streams at a time and Sling Orange allows one stream at a time. Both the Blue and Orange packages are $23 for the first month, then increase to $45.99 per month thereafter.
What is ESPN Streaming?
ESPN Streaming now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $11.99 per month (or $119.99 for entire year), which replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus. ESPN’s Unlimited Plan is the go-to streaming service for sports around the world. Watch NFL, MLB, NBA, college football, F1 and more with this simple subscription, which includes the following ESPN networks: ESPN, ESPN on ABC, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Plus, SEC Network Plus, and ACC Network Extra.
For team hats, shirts and more gear: Visit Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lids, Champs Sports and New Era.