The Sports Xchange

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) at Houston Texans (0-2)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at NRG Stadium, Houston – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Holly Sonders

*Keys to the game: Jameis Winston called himself a “game manager” after last week’s surprising victory in New Orleans, but he displayed the athleticism and arm strength that convinced the Bucs to take him No. 1 overall. Tampa Bay will rely heavily on RBs Doug Martin and Charles Sims so as to not over-expose Winston to Houston’s fearsome pass rush. He’ll likely be minus his favorite early-season target in injured TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, but WR Mike Evans is expected to be ready to log more snaps.

Houston’s ground game has been a virtual non-factor (3.6 yards per carry) with teams daring the Texans to beat them through the air. Ryan Mallett put up 58 pass attempts last week and was predictably inconsistent. While showing a live arm and the ability to move the offense at times, he was abysmal in the face of pressure and forced too many balls into traffic – including a pivotal late interception. The Bucs will likely employ a similar strategy, focusing on limiting RBs Alfred Blue and Chris Polk and forcing the ball onto Mallett’s arm.

*Matchup to watch – Bucs RG Ali Marpet vs. Texans DL J.J. Watt: Watt typically lines up at left end, but the Texans move him all over the line and he spends significant time inside in pass-rushing situations. That’s where he’ll encounter Marpet, one of two rookies on the Bucs’ O-line along with LT Donovan Smith.

*Player spotlight – Bucs TE Brandon Myers: Seferian-Jenkins had emerged as Winston’s favorite target early this season before suffering a shoulder injury. Myers is a former Pro Bowler and was in on 23 percent of the offensive snaps last week, but he doesn’t have a catch this season and his receptions have dropped precipitously every year since his career high of 79 in 2012.

*Fast facts: DE Jacquies Smith has 10.5 sacks in his past 11 games. Only Watt and Kansas City’s Justin Houston have more during that span, according to the Bucs. … Winston (two) and Mallett (three) have started a combined five NFL games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

It boils down to the young QB who gets the most support from his ground game and takes care of the ball, an answer best predicted by a magic 8-ball. Ryan Mallett improved as last week’s game went on, and at home squeaks by Jameis Winston.

*Our pick: Texans 20-17