Week 2 of the NFL season concludes with two Monday Night Football games. The first will feature two Playoff teams from last year as the Houston Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Texans look to pick up their first win of the year after losing in Week 1, while the Bucs hope to remain unbeaten.

The second MNF game of this doubleheader is an AFC West matchup as the Las Vegas Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers. The winner of this game will lead the division, which is just as surprising to type out as it is to say out loud.

Currently, these games are expected to be competitive, according to the NFL betting lines. With that said, let’s dive deeper into the latest MNF odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our MNF predictions for these two games.

What Channel Is Monday Night Football On?

• Monday Night Football Channel: ABC and ESPN
• Monday Night Football Time: 7pm and 10pm ET
• Monday Night Football Announcers: Multiple Announce Teams

Week 2 features a Monday Night Football doubleheader. The first game between the Tampa Buccaneers and Houston Texans kicks off from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, at 7pm ET on ABC. Th second game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders kicks off at 7pm ET on ESPN.

Monday Night Football Odds

The following Monday Night Football odds are courtesy of ScoresandStats:

Keep an eye on the latest NFL odds for MNF and monitor how the lines change up until kickoff.

Of the two games, the Los Angeles Chargers are the biggest odds-on favorites with a -180 moneyline and -3.5 point spread (Even). That makes the Las Vegas Raiders the biggest home underdog of the night at +155.

The Buccaneers vs. Texans game is expected to be closer as the sports betting sites have it listed as a 1.5 point spread with a low 42.5-point total. The Raiders vs. Chargers have an O/U of 46 total points.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans have played against each other six times. And, it’s the Texans with a commanding lead in this series with a 5-1 record.

These franchises last played against each other in 2023, and the Texans won 39-37. Houston has won five games in a row over Tampa Bay. The Bucs are 0-3 when playing at Houston.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans Betting Trends

The following Monday Night Football betting trends include data from last season:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends

• 7-2 SU in last nine games
• 4-1 SU in last five road games
• 4-11 SU in last 15 AFC games
• 4-1 ATS in last five AFC South games
• 4-1 ATS in last five September games
• Over is 11-5 in last 16 games

Houston Texans Betting Trends

• 2-4 SU in last six games
• 8-3 SU in last 11 games
• 1-4 SU in last five NFC games
• 4-1 ATS in last five Monday games
• Under is 4-1 in last five September games

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans Predictions

Let’s take a look at the participants in this week’s Monday Night Football opener, and make our winning NFL picks: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday Night Football

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) come into this matchup feeling good about themselves after winning a hard-fought NFC South divisional matchup against the Falcons on the road last weekend.

The Bucs looked sluggish at times but found a way to score with less than a minute left in the game to pick up the victory. Statistically, only rookie receiver Egbuka left that game with a strong performance. He scored two TDs on four catches and 67 yards.

Everyone else played well below their standards. Baker Mayfield only threw for 17 yards on 17-of-32 and Bucky Irving only put up 37 rushing yards on over a dozen carries.

Defensively, the Bucs gave up nearly 300 yards to Michael Penix Jr. They allowed the Falcons to tally 358 total yards, which was nearly 100 more yards than they put up.

If the Bucs bring this type of effort into the MNF game at Houston, they won’t be as fortunate.

Houston Texans Monday Night Football

The Houston Texans (0-1) dropped their road opener to the LA Rams. It was a defensive battle as they only gave up 13 points but also forced one turnover and led in time of possession. Unfortunately, they failed in three key areas for this game.

First, the defense allowed the Rams to convert 7-of-13 third downs, which allowed LA to continue drives and score points.

Second, the offense was putrid. They only put up nine points on three field goals, didn’t score in the second half, and had two turnovers along with going 2-of-9 on third downs.

Lastly, the team as a whole had 11 penalties for 80 yards. That’s just unacceptable. You will not win many games when you lose the penalty and turnover battles.

I expect this Texans team to play up to their standards in this Week 2 MNF game. They will clean up the mistakes and improve offensively. I see C.J. Stroud bouncing back also. He threw for just 188 yards in Week 1.

With Penix throwing for nearly 300 yards against the Bucs last week, I expect Stroud to have at least 250 yards. That also means Nico Collins will have a big game, as well. Just like Drake London was doing before he got injured last weekend for the Falcons.

Who Is Winning Monday Night Football?

The Buccaneers were very fortunate to win that Week 1 opener. While they scored the game-winning TD with 59 seconds left, they also allowed Atlanta to march down and attempt a game-tying FG. However, the Falcons missed it. They also didn’t have London for the end of the game due to a shoulder injury.

The Texans played a strong game defensively, but their offense played terrible. And, yet, they almost won that game on the road.

I see this game being a close one, but the Texans winning. They’ve won five in a row over the Buccaneers and have never lost at home to Tampa Bay. So, why think they will do it now?

Houston’s defense should slow down Tampa just like Atlanta did last week. Additionally, Houston’s offense should find success through the air, just like the Falcons did last week. That’s bad news for the Buccaneers. When Stroud is on fire, the Texans are nearly unbeatable.

Bet: Houston Texans (-145), Texans -1.5 (-110), Over 42.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

These two AFC West divisional rivals have played against each other 131 total times. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the advantage with a 69-60-2 record.

The Los Angeles Chargers have won three of the last four matchups including sweeping the Raiders last year. They’ve also gone 6-3 SU and 6-3 ATS in the last nine head-to-head meetings.

The Raiders have gone 3-1 SU in their last four meetings played at home. The Over is 5-1 in the last six matchups between these divisional foes.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends

The following Monday Night Football betting trends include data from last season:

Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends

• 4-1 SU in last five games
• 4-2 SU in last six September games
• 4-1 ATS in last five games
• 5-1 ATS in last six road games
• 5-0 ATS in last five AFC West games
• Over is 5-0 in last five AFC games

Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends

• 3-11 SU in last 14 games
• 1-5 SU in last six home games
• 2-8 SU in last 10 AFC games
• 4-8 ATS in last 12 September games
• 12-5-1 ATS in last 18 Monday games

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

Let’s take a look at the participants in this week’s Monday Night Football double header, and make our winning NFL picks: 

Los Angeles Chargers Monday Night Football

The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) looked extremely impressive in their Week 1 opener against the Chiefs. Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards, all of the receivers ate, and rookie RB Hampton showed off his incredible potential. The Chargers put up nearly 400 total yards (394) against an elite defense.

On the flip side, Los Angeles harassed Kansas City all game long. They also held Patrick Mahomes and the offense to 5-of-14 on third downs.

I expect LA to carry over that momentum as they also had two extra days to prepare for the Raiders, a team that they’ve had success against over recent years.

Las Vegas Raiders Monday Night Football

The Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) were probably the biggest surprise to me in Week 1. I didn’t see LV beating the New England Patriots on the road. In fact, I thought the Raiders would get blown out as did many pundits.

Instead, they held the Patriots to just 13 points in this game. And, LV outscored NE 13 to 3 in the second half as they allowed a late field goal to the Patriots who also racked up more passing yards in this garbage time. The Raiders forced a turnover, kept the Patriots to 60 rushing yards on 18 attempts, and had four sacks.

Offensively, Geno Smith carved up the Patriots secondary for 362 passing yards and one TD. On a day where the run game was anemic, the passing game did whatever they wanted. It was a shocking performance. Can the Raiders carry over that momentum?

Who Is Winning Monday Night Football?

The Chargers have had the Raiders number over the last few years including sweeping Las Vegas last season. While the Raiders have gone 3-1 SU in their last four home games in this rivalry, I don’t see them winning this week.

The Chargers looked like an elite team versus the Chiefs. Defensively, they made key plays against one of the best players in the league – Mahomes. And, Geno Smith is no Mahomes.

Offensively, Herbert picked apart the Chiefs strong defense, which is better than the Raiders’ defense. While LV allowed Drake Maye to throw for 287 yards, I see Herbert eclipsing 300 yards this week for a second straight game.

The Chargers are the better team on both sides of the ball and they will show this on Monday Night Football. I’m taking Los Angeles to win this game, cover the spread and for the Total to go Over 46 points.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers (-180), Chargers -3.5 (-110), Over 46 (-110)

Monday Night Football Prop Bets

Let’s take a look at some of the best Player props and Game prop bets for this Monday Night Football matchup:

Justin Herbert Passing Yards

• O 248.5 yards (-110)
• U 248.5 yards (-110)

This is my favorite bet for the entire Monday Night Football double header. I see Justin Herbert easily surpassing 250 passing yards. In fact, I believe he can go over 300 yards.

In Week 1, Herbert threw for 318 yards against a better defense in the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Raiders gave up 287 yards to Drake Maye. With all of the weapons that Herbert has at his disposal, this should be the easiest Over of the night.

Bet: Over 248.5 yards (-110)

Keenan Allen Receiving Yards

• O 51.5 yards (-110)
• U 51.5 yards (-110)

Guess who’s back?

Not only did Keenan Allen return to his beloved Chargers but he did it in style with seven receptions for 68 yards and a TD. Allen led the team in targets and receptions. It was if he had never left LA. And, Herbert spread the ball around as Johnston and McConkey combined for 11 receptions on 16 targets.

There’s plenty of ball to go around in this offense and I fully expect Allen to feast on the Raiders this week. He should get single coverage as the secondary focuses on McConkey.

Bet: Over 51.5 yards (-110)

Best Bets For Monday Night Football

Check out our best bets for Monday Night Football:

• Los Angeles Chargers (-180)
• Houston Texans (-145)
• Justin Herbert over 248.5 passing yards (-110)

The Chargers are clearly the better team in this matchup. They looked great in Week 1 and have had their way with the Raiders in recent years including sweeping Las Vegas last year. While both teams have improved their rosters since last season, the Chargers have more talent on both sides of the ball.

The Texans have won five straight games against the Buccaneers. They are undefeated at home (3-0) against the Bucs. I don’t see either of these trends changing. Houston’s defense will give Mayfield and company some problems, while the Texans offense will carry the team to victory.

After a 318-yard performance against the Chiefs in Week 1, I see no reason why Herbert can’t hit 300 yards against the Raiders. Las Vegas gave up 287 yards against the Patriots last week, and Herbert has a better passing attack than New England does.

If you put all three of these best Week 2 bets into a parlay, then you will win $402 for every $100 wagered. That’s a 4x on your parlay card.

If this interests you, then check out our best NFL parlays of the week. We also have weekly College Football parlays, as well.well.

Monday Night Football Song

Monday Night Football’s theme “Heavy Action” has become a pop-culture staple as generations of fans will instantly recognize the theme song within the first few notes.

Yet, over time, broadcast networks have tried to retool the MNF song to add an extra layer of entertainment, importance, and relevance. For over two-decades, Monday Night Football belonged to Hank Williams Jr. and his hit “All My Rowdy Fans Are Coming Over Tonight.”

In 2023, ESPN debuted a new opening song. They took one of the 80’s biggest hits “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins and modernized it with an all-star collaboration from Christ Stapleton, Snoop Dogg and Cindy Blackman Santana. As of now, this rendition is expected to remain the Monday Night Football song for the 2025-26 season.

Monday Night Football Schedule