Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears Prediction NFL Picks 8/1/24

The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears face off on Thursday in the first NFL preseason game in the Hall of Fame game at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Let’s take a look at a Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears prediction. 

No Caleb Williams for the Chicago Bears

Everyone hoping to see Caleb Williams first game in the NFL is going to have to wait at least one more week as Williams won’t be playing here. The Bears aren’t expected to play any starters in this game, which means we will see plenty of plays from players that are buried on the depth chart. Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien, and Austin Reed are behind Williams on the depth chart. Bagent is going to start for the Bears here, but it should be expected to see plenty of Rypien and Reed here. The Bears did a lot this offseason to beef up the wide receiver, including bringing in Keenan Allen, but none of that talent is going to step up here. Tory Taylor is the starting punter, but the team does have Corliss Waitman who could be competing to take away that starting job. 

Texans Have High Expectations

The Texans have some high expectations for this season after exceeding expectations last season and bringing in some big offseason additions. Stefon Diggs at times can be considered a drama queen, but his talent is undeniable. Last season, Diggs caught 107 passes for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. One battle to watch in this game is with the running backs. Joe Mixon is the starter this season and Dameon Pierce will be the backup, but Dare Ogunbowale and Jawhar Johnson are battling for the third spot on the depth chart. Denico Autry is suspended for the first six games, and the players behind him on the depth chart are going to be battling for that starting spot. Behind CJ Stroud are Davis Mills, Case Keenum, and Tim Boyle. 

Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears Prediction

I don’t often love laying points, usually during the preseason, but this is a great spot to take the Bears as the favorite here. This game is going to come down to quarterback play, and I love Bagent to find success here. The Texans aren’t going to have as strong of quarterback play, and that is going to be the difference. The Bears are going to score at least 17 points, and that will be enough to cover the spread. Back the Bears against the spread.