2021-22 NFL Thursday Night Football Week 3: Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans September 23, 2021 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers will face the Houston Texans to open Week 3 of the 2021-22 NFL season.

Kick-off is set 8:20PM EDT at the NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

The Carolina Panther's defense is humming this season.

LB Shaq Thompson has led their defensive unit with 14 tackles and 1 sack in their first two games.

Next to him is DE Brian Burns, who has 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble.

He has earned a sack in six of the past seven road games dating from last season.

Backup Texans' QB Davis Mills is expected to make his first NFL start.

He made his brief debut last Sunday and passed 102 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

He is expected to do more against the Carolina Panthers and it will have a target against his back throughout the game.

The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Carolina Panthers as the favorites to win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night.