Neither team was a high-scoring offense last season. Houston's turnover generation creates short fields, but their inability to convert in the red zone largely neutralized that advantage. The Texans' fast pace forces more possessions, which amplifies their turnover production but also exposes their own offensive inefficiencies on a per-drive basis.

Check back the day before the game for the full preview and picks.

• Houston's turnover generation (94th pctl last season) as their primary path to good field position, given their 3rd-percentile red zone touchdown rate undermined scoring from close range
• Houston's pace (89th pctl) against Carolina's defense, as a fast offense that generates turnovers but converts red zone trips at a near-league-worst rate creates a distinctive scoring profile
• Carolina's early-down success (56th pctl last season) against Houston's sack generation (84th pctl), as the Panthers' most productive offensive trait meets the Texans' best defensive tool