Texans vs. Panthers 2015 picks and predictions: Carolina a slight favorite at home

Brian Hoyer might have won the Houston Texans starting quarterback job in the preseason, but it looks like he's already given that title away after just one real game.

Following a thoroughly disappointing performance in a 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it appears that backup Ryan Mallett will be the man under center when the Texans travel to Carolina on Sunday to face the Panthers. Head coach Bill O'Brien said earlier in the week that he wouldn't announce a starter until the first snap, but NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the team intends to start Mallett on Sunday.

The Texans dropped their opener to the Kansas City Chiefs as the offense sputtered for much of the game, scoring just nine points in the first 55 minutes. Hoyer was 18 of 34 for 236 yards and had two costly turnovers in the red zone, before being replaced in the fourth quarter by Mallett. The backup delivered a solid performance (8 of 13 for 98 yards and one touchdown) in leading the Texans on two late scoring drives, and perhaps convinced O'Brien with that performance that he should be No. 1 guy.

The Panthers have a much more stable situation at quarterback but still have questions about their offense in the wake of losing star wideout Kelvin Benjamin. They scored just one offensive touchdown in their 20-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and none of the Panthers receivers stepped up in his absence. Even worse, the running game was a mess, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Things won't get any easier against a stout Texans defense headlined by J.J. Watt.