In not-so-surprising news, this Thursday nighter is the only primetime game scheduled in 2021 for the Carolina Panthers. But, in what is a surprising development, they’ve garnered some attention with an impressive 2-0 start.

Can they continue to do so when they meet the Houston Texans in Week 3 and maybe, just maybe, force the NFL’s hand into another nationally televised showcase at some point? Here’s how you can find out.

Week 3

When to watch

Thursday, Sept. 23, 8:20 p.m. ET

How to watch on TV

The game will be broadcast on the ABC network as well as the NFL Network.

How to stream

You can stream the game on FuboTV.

How to listen

WBT 1110 AM is the team’s local radio station.

History

The Panthers and Texans have faced one another just five times over 18 years. Carolina holds a 3-2 edge in those contests, with each of those three victories coming in their last three matchups.

What to watch for

Thursday night might be a bad time to be making your debut as a starting quarterback if you’re Davis Mills. Unfortunately, Davis Mills will be Davis Mills on Thursday night.

Carolina has absolutely gotten after opposing quarterbacks thus far, leading the league in sacks (10) and pressures (32) through the first two weeks. They’ve also allowed the fewest points (10.5) and total yards (190.0) per game, having silenced the New York Jets in Week 1 and the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday.

Hopefully for Mills, he represents himself well here in place of an injured Tyrod Taylor. But a white-hot defense led by pass-rushing bulls Brian Burns and Haason Reddick could make this one ugly game, particularly for the home team.