Teams looking to secure their first win meet when the Las Vegas Raiders face off against the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the preseason on Thursday night. The Raiders opened their preseason with a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, while the Texans suffered a 27-7 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Last season, the Raiders finished last in the AFC West with a record of 3-14, struggling particularly on the road with a 1-7 record. In contrast, the Texans, who placed second in the AFC South with a 12-5 record, boasted a strong home field advantage, winning 7-2 at home.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The latest odds show the Raiders as 1.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 40.5 points, according to SportsLine consensus. Before making any bets, it's essential to consider expert insights from Jeff Hochman, a respected handicapper with a 99-88-3 record over the past five NFL seasons.

Key Betting Lines:

• Raiders vs. Texans spread: Raiders -1.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook
• Over/Under: 40.5 points
• Money Line: Raiders -125, Texans +105

Notable Player Performances:

• Fernando Mendoza (Raiders): Completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a score in his debut.
• Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders): Rushed 6 times for 63 yards, including a 53-yard run.
• Davis Mills (Texans): Completed 9 of 15 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.
• Noah Whittington (Texans): Rushed 13 times for 40 yards.

Hochman anticipates a low-scoring affair, leaning towards the Under for total points. With the Texans facing depth issues at running back after placing Josh Pitsenberger on injured reserve, both teams will be keen to bounce back and showcase their talent in this crucial preseason matchup.