How 3 key matchups could determine Monday Night Football's Buccaneers-Texans game

Keep an eye out for these three matchups when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Houston Texans.

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after a touchdown catch with tight end Cade Otton (88) during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Each week of the NFL season, regardless of how evenly matched any two teams are, there are always intriguing matchups worth examining. For games that are expected to be close, such as tonight's prime time matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans, the specific player matchups within the game become that much more captivating due to the nature of their potential impact on the final result of the game.

READ MORE: Texans offensive players Buccaneers should look out for on Monday Night Football

Let's take a closer look at three specific matchups worth monitoring in this massive game between the Bucs and Texans that should have a significant impact on which team comes away victorious when the final whistle is blown.

Mike Evans vs. Derek Stingley Jr.

Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) warms up before the game agains the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

As two of the best players at their respective positions, a matchup between Derek Stingley Jr. and Mike Evans automatically qualifies as must-see television. Evans' length, underrated route-running and contested catch abilities make him a nightmare for all defensive backs. That said, Stingley is not only extremely talented in terms of his athleticism and physical ability, but he's also got incredible ball skills due to his advanced instincts and anticipation.

The last time these two teams met in 2023, Stingley was out of the lineup due to a hamstring injury. Now fully healthy, there's no doubt that the dynamic 1st Team All-Pro CB will be tasked with covering Evans for a good chunk of this football game.

Get your popcorn ready.

Josh Grizzard vs. Nick Caley

Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard watches the action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Like the Buccaneers with Josh Grizzard, the Texans also have a first-time offensive coordinator in Nick Caley calling the shots when they have the ball. After a disappointing performance in Week 1, it's back to the drawing board for Caley in what will be his first game in front of the home fans at NRG Stadium as the Texans' OC. With Grizzard calling the plays in Atlanta last week, the Bucs started slow but eventually found a bit of a rhythm.

Although their OC debuts played out differently in Week 1, the key challenge for these two offensive coaches is practically identical when it comes to preparing for this matchup in Week 2. How can you keep your quarterback safe? Both the Buccaneers and Texans are scrambling to field a competent offensive line because of early-season injury trouble, and the advantage in the trenches will heavily favor the defensive side of the ball for both teams.

We'll soon find out which of these coaches schemed up their protections enough to allow their quarterbacks to find success. Whichever team is able to provide that protection will likely come away the victor in this game.

Zyon McCollum vs. Nico Collins

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) runs out of the tunnel during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

After earning himself a new contract following an impressive campaign in 2024, Buccaneers CB Zyon McCollum wants to show the world that he is a true No. 1 corner. What better way than locking up one of the league's best receivers on Monday Night Football? At 6'2", 199 pounds, McCollum has not only the size, but the speed needed to go to battle against a true game changer at the wide receiver position in Nico Collins.

Collins is coming off back-to-back 1,000-plus yard receiving seasons, with eight and seven TDs, respectively. He is a red zone monster, a field stretcher, and an all-around dynamic threat that his quarterback, C.J. Stroud, depends on. With no other proven receivers on the active roster at this time, Stroud's dependence on Collins becomes magnified even more. After a season opener that saw the Texans' offense struggle mightily vs. the Rams on the road, it's safe to assume that Stroud will be targeting his number one target relentlessly.

If McCollum is able to hold Collins at bay, not only would it be massive for the Buccaneers chances at securing a victory and moving to 2-0 on the young season, but it would be an opportunity for McCollum to become a household name in front of a national audience.

READ MORE: Buccaneers get huge update on Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs

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