Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are happy to have Baker Mayfield in their kitchen.

In what became a classic on Monday night in the Space City, this contest had everything you could’ve wanted and more. There was a quick start on offense for both sides, resulting in three touchdowns on the first three drives.

Then there was a defensive lull, with the Houston Texans coming back to take the lead late.

All of that led to Mayfield’s heroics. The quarterback has a flair for the dramatics and put that on full display, marching his team 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with just six seconds left.

At one point, it seemed like neither side wanted to win. Chase McLaughlin missed a crucial field goal and Riley Dixon had a punt blocked. As if that wasn’t enough special teams miscues for the road team, Dixon later had a punt returned 50 yards that resulted in Nick Chubb’s go-ahead touchdown for Houston.

Mayfield’s crew is the one that ultimately comes out on top, winning 20-19 before heading back home for Week 3.

The Texans watched their home opener be spoiled after all that, dropping to the dreaded 0-2 on the young campaign. Houston has more than a few problems to address going forward, but they ran into a player who wouldn’t be denied.

Here’s a look at how the action unfolded from Houston.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from "Monday Night Football" below.

Texans-Buccaneers takeaways

  • Baker Mayfield just knows how to win games

With his back against the wall, Mayfield delivered in a big way. The quarterback has been through countless offensive coordinators in his career and even when things weren’t going smoothly, he engineered the game-winning drive. His fourth-down scramble after Emeka Egbuka’s crucial drop tells us all we need to know.

  • Josh Grizzard is a work in progress

Some will be quick to jump on the Grizzard train, calling him a head coaching candidate like multiple Tampa offensive coordinators before him. Of course, he’s a first-time playcaller and is working with some significant injuries to the offense. However, Tampa’s offense was shut down after its first two drives, only coming back to life in the final minutes. Let’s pump the brakes a bit here.

  • Texans' penalties, bad OL play will be their undoing

Key penalties doomed Houston multiple times throughout this game and their over-aggressive nature is to blame. They aren’t good enough to overcome those mistakes. Coupled with a poor offensive line that doesn’t open up running lanes and we have a recipe for disaster.

Texans-Buccaneers final score: Buccaneers 20, Texans 19

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Tampa takes the lead with six seconds left

The final chapter of this game has been a wild one to say the least. Mayfield and the Bucs looked left for dead, but with their backs against the wall, they march 80 yards for the go-ahead score. Rachaad White punches it in and Tampa looks like they’re heading for a 2-0 start to the season.

Buccaneers 20, Texans 19

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Nick Chubb TD gives Houston the lead

Houston takes advantage of the gift from Tampa’s special teams unit and turns that miscue into six. Chubb waltzes in for the touchdown from 25 yards out, but the two-point try fails. The Texans will try to hold onto a five-point lead with just over two minutes to go.

Texans 19, Buccaneers 14

Jaylin Noel big punt return gives Houston chance to jump in front

The special teams issues continue for the Buccaneers, who just gave up a 50-yard punt return to the rookie Noel. For those keeping score, that’s a missed field goal, blocked punt and big punt return for Tampa tonight.

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Fairbairn adds three

Someone alert the scoreboard operator because we have points in Houston. Of course, the Texans didn’t even move an inch on the drive after the blocked punt, but it’s the thought that counts here. Fairbairn knocks it through from 53 yards out, and we have a one-point game in the Space City.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 13

Texans block Buccaneers punt

After Mayfield forced his own fumble, Tampa was forced to punt. Unfortunately for them, it also led to Riley Dixon having his punt blocked and Houston takes over at the Tampa 35. It’s almost like neither team wants to win.

Texans turn it over on downs

The McLaughlin miss doesn’t come back to haunt the Buccaneers just yet. Stroud marched his offense down to the one-yard line, and Houston can’t punch it in – opting for two passes in the three-play sequence. Perhaps turning it off and turning it back on again might help these offenses figure it out. Tampa Bay takes over deep in its territory.

End of third quarter: Texans driving entering the final 15

Houston is attempting to take advantage of McLaughlin’s miss and is set up around midfield to start the fourth quarter, trailing by four. There was no scoring in the third and even less action, but this contest is far from over. Buckle up.

Chase McLaughlin misses 38-yard field goal

Just when you thought the scoreboard operator would have to wake up from a nap, McLaughlin had other ideas. The Tampa kicker doinks one off the upright from 38 yards out, leaving the Bucs’ lead at four.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

Teams flip the script in the third quarter

If you were enjoying the offense early on, we have bad news. There is a problem with the scoring in Houston and the teams have traded punts in the third quarter. Whether that is good defense or bad offense, you be the judge. Houston has the ball on its own 36 to start the next drive.

Texans get a stop to open the second half

The hot start from these two offenses feels like a distant memory now. Defenses have instead taken center stage, and that continued to open the third quarter. Mayfield couldn’t get anything going and the Buccaneers punt after picking up one first down. Now it’s Stroud’s turn to find some rhythm for his crew.

Baker Mayfield stats at halftime

  • Completions/attempts (%): 13/18 (72.2%)
  • Passing yards: 109
  • Passing TDs: 2
  • INTs: 0
  • Rating: 124.5
  • Rush attempts: 1
  • Rushing yards: 2

C.J. Stroud stats at halftime

  • Completions/attempts (%): 8/13 (61.5%)
  • Passing yards: 131
  • Passing TDs: 1
  • INTs: 0
  • Rating: 121
  • Rush attempts: 3
  • Rushing yards: 21

Nico Collins stats at halftime

  • Catches (Targets): 1 (3)
  • Receiving yards: 29
  • Touchdowns: 1

Emeka Egbuka stats at halftime

  • Catches (Targets): 4 (5)
  • Receiving yards: 29
  • Touchdowns: 1

Halftime: Buccaneers lead at the break

The pace slowed in the second quarter, but the Bucs will be pleased with that reality as they take a 14-10 lead into the intermission. Tampa gets the ball to start the second half, trying to extend its lead.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

Texans’ defense gets a stop

It was a much-needed stop for DeMeco Ryans' crew, and they delivered. Getting off the field and keeping the deficit at four. C.J. Stroud goes back to work at his own 30 right after the broadcast pays some bills.

Calijah Kancey injury update

The Bucs’ defensive lineman has been ruled out after suffering a pectoral injury. Tampa’s front seven has been disruptive at times in the first half, but losing Kancey would be a tough loss for a team that lacks proven depth at the position.

Texans can’t answer, forced to punt

Our first punt of the night comes from the home side as the Texans can’t answer the previous touchdown. Tampa takes over backed up in their own end, hoping to extend the lead.

Did the referees miss a tripping call on Egbuka’s TD?

Egbuka scored and it’s a moot point now, but the Texans’ Kamari Lassiter didn’t have much of a chance to tackle the rookie on the play. He was tripped by a diving Charlie Heck, which should’ve been a flag on Tampa. Instead, it’s seven points for the Bucs and a possible turning point for the Texans.

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Emeka Egbuka gives Tampa the lead

Second verse, same as the first. There is no resistance as Mayfield connects with the rookie Egbuka for the 15-yard touchdown. The Bucs jump out in front for the first time tonight, taking a four-point lead five minutes into the second quarter.

Buccaneers 14, Texans 10

End of first quarter: Texans up by three

An entertaining and fast-paced opening quarter has come to a close with the home side leading by a field goal. Tampa will begin the second quarter with the ball around midfield, looking for more points on its second drive.

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Ka’imi Fairbairn puts Houston back on top

Defense is optional in the early going. The Texans marched right back down the field on their second drive but are forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Fairbairn after a holding penalty backed them up.

Texans 10, Buccaneers 7

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Ryan Miller evens the score

Unlike Sunday night’s action, touchdowns are on the menu in Houston. Baker Mayfield marches his Bucs down the field in just nine plays before lobbing one up for Ryan Miller. The 2023 undrafted free agent comes down with it for the 20-yard score, the third touchdown of his career.

Texans 7, Buccaneers 7

WATCH: Nico Collins TD catch

Collins only saw five targets in Week 1, finishing with three catches for 25 yards. Houston is quickly trying to flip the script in Week 2 and its star delivered in a big way. Here’s a closer look.

Texans-Buccaneers score update: Nico Collins highlight reel TD

The Texans are off to a quick start on Monday night in H-Town as Collins makes his presence known. The star receiver hauls in the 29-yard touchdown, successfully getting both feet in bounds to give his team the early lead. It was so nice, the booth wanted to get another look before confirming it.

Texans 7, Buccaneers 0

What time does the Texans vs. Buccaneers game start?

  • Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday. It's the first of the "Monday Night Football" doubleheader in Week 2.

What TV channel is Texans vs. Buccaneers?

  • TV channel: ABC, ESPN

The Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will be simulcast on ABC and ESPN on Monday night.

Where to watch Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Texans vs. Buccaneers is the first of the "Monday Night Football" doubleheader tonight.

  • Date: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
  • TV: ABC and ESPN
  • Streaming: ESPN Unlimited | ESPN Select | Fubo

Watch all the action from the 2025 NFL season on Fubo

Texans vs. Buccaneers live odds, moneyline, over/under

Buccaneers vs. Texans injury report

Buccaneers vs. Texans prediction

Sometimes it boils down to the roster, and the Buccaneers simply have a better roster at the moment. The Texans offensive line is no bueno, the receiver situation is pretty questionable. The defense did look good in Week 1, as they held the Rams and the trio of Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to just 14 points. They take a small step down in competition this week vs. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, but expect the Bucs to play well on the road and snatch the win.

Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Texans 17

Texans QB CJ Stroud arrives for 'Monday Night Football'

The Texans third-year quarterback has only played in one Monday Night Football game in his career – a 2024 Week 11 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He aims to make it 2-0 in prime time tonight.

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Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield arrives for prime time vs. Texans

Baker Mayfield is in the building for "Monday Night Football."

Super Bowl odds

  • 1. Buffalo Bills (+500)
  • 2. Baltimore Ravens (+550)
  • T3. Green Bay Packers (+650)
  • T3. Philadelphia Eagles (+650)
  • T4. Detroit Lions (+1400)
  • T4. Kansas City Chiefs (+1400)
  • 5. Los Angeles Chargers (+1800)
  • 6. Los Angeles Rams (+2000)
  • 7. San Francisco 49ers (+2200)
  • 8. Denver Broncos (+2500)

CJ Stroud's unique pregame warmup routine with a basketball

Stroud was a talented high school basketball player, and he utilizes the sport before NFL games to prepare his body.

Texans inactives vs. Buccaneers

Buccaneers inactives vs. Texans

Joe Mixon injury update

A potential return date for Mixon is unclear. If he manages to start practicing again (relatively) soon, that could mean a return as soon as Week 5 in Baltimore. Given the Texans have a Week 6 bye, they could also choose to take advantage of an extra week of preparation for Mixon and bring him back for Week 7's game in Seattle.

The veteran Texans running back missed all of the team's offseason workouts, and Houston placed Mixon on the reserve/non-football injury list before the season began. At the very least, that means Mixon will miss the first four games of the regular season. - Jack McKessy

Chris Godwin injury update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin's brutal ankle injury cut short his 2024 season, which was on pace to be the best of his career. This week, the window opened for the star receiver to make his return soon.

Tampa Bay originally indicated Godwin could make an early-season return when they activated him from the PUP list in late August. On Thursday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Godwin was returning to practice for the first time since suffering the injury.

Rapoport's report indicated that Godwin is returning to practice Thursday. He will begin ramping up for a return to game action in the coming weeks. NFL Network's Judy Battista followed up Rapoport's post saying that Godwin won't make his 2025 debut until October. - Jack McKessy

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?

The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six.

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups.

NFL Week 2 final scores:

Thursday, Sept. 11

  • Green Bay Packers 27, Washington Commanders 18

Sunday, Sept. 14

  • Baltimore Ravens 27, Cleveland Browns 10
  • Cincinnati Bengals 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 27
  • Dallas Cowboys 40, New York Giants 37
  • Detroit Lions 52, Chicago Bears 21
  • New England Patriots 33, Miami Dolphins 27
  • San Francisco 49ers 26, New Orleans Saints 21
  • Buffalo Bills 30, New York Jets 10
  • Seattle Seahawks 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
  • Los Angeles Rams 33, Tennessee Titans 19
  • Arizona Cardinals 27, Carolina Panthers 22
  • Indianapolis Colts 29, Denver Broncos 28
  • Philadelphia Eagles 20, Kansas City Chiefs 17
  • Atlanta Falcons 22, Minnesota Vikings 6

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield stun Texans on 'Monday Night Football': Highlights

Reporting by Tom Viera and Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect