Houston (1-1) vs Detroit (1-2)
August 23, 2025 at 01:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Detroit -1.5 — Over/Under: +34.5
In this article we will formulate a Texans vs Lions prediction for this NFL game on Saturday, August 23rd at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week three matchup in the preseason.
Houston Texans Betting Preview
The Houston Texans are 1-1 this preseason after they defeated Carolina by a score of 20-3 in their last game. Houston led 7-0 after the first quarter and they added a field goal as time expired in the second to lead 10-3 at the half. The Texans got a field goal in the third quarter and they tacked on a touchdown in the fourth to cruise to the easy win. Houston out gained Carolina by a total of 266-164, went 5-14 on third down, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-0. Davis Mills went 8-14 for 61 yards, Kedon Slovis went 5-12 for 51 yards, CJ Stroud went 6-8 for 44 yards and one touchdown, and Graham Mertz went 2-2 for two yards. Woody Marks rushed for 40 yards on seven carries, while Irv Smith Jr. caught five passes for 46 yards in the win. The Houston defense was led by Henry To’oTo’o, who had five tackles, while Byrd, Edwards Jr., and Taylor all had one sack.
Houston opened the preseason with a 20-10 loss to Minnesota in their first game. The Texans were out gained by a total of 261-194, went 6-14 on third down, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 3-1. Houston may play Stroud for a few snaps, but Mills, Slovis, and Mertz will play most of the game.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions are 1-2 in the preseason after they lost to Miami by a score of 24-17 last week. Detroit trailed 7-0 after the first quarter, but they scored twice in the second and led 14-7 at the half. The Lions took a 17-14 lead into the fourth, but allowed 10 points in the final quarter for the loss. Detroit was out gained by a total of 356-274, went 1-12 on third down conversions, and tied the turnover battle at one. Kyle Allen went 14-17 for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while Hendon Hooker went 6-13 for 61 yards and one interception. Jacob Saylors rushed 13 times for 39 yards, while Jackson Meeks caught seven passes for 93 yards and one touchdown in the loss. The Detroit defense was led by Ezekiel Turner, who recorded nine total tackles, while Ukwu picked up a sack.
Detroit started the preseason with a 34-7 loss to the Chargers in the Hall of Fame game, but they did beat the Falcons by a score of 17-10 in an injury shortened game their second time out. The Lions are once again not expected to start Goff in this game, so we should expect Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker for the fourth time this preseason.
David Racey is 17-6 (74%) in the NFL Preseason so far this year. Click here for his premium plays for this week!
Texans vs Lions Prediction
Houston comes into this game after picking up a dominating win over Carolina last week, while Detroit played another poor second half in their loss. The Lions have found some success with Allen under center, but Hooker has been brutal for them this year. I don’t think Houston is going to play Davis Mills very much, so we should see Slovis and Mertz, which is a duo I am not ready to get behind. I don’t love either quarterback room, but we have seen some solid play from Allen and I think Hooker could play decently well, knowing this may be his last stand. Take the Lions at home.