The Houston Texans (7-5) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) trying to push toward the AFC South title and a home playoff game. Our Texans vs Jaguars prediction is for underdog Jacksonville to cover the 3.5-point spread. The teams will combine for less than 44 points.
Head-to-head, Houston has won 30 of the 45 meetings.
Offshore Odds: Houston Favored by 3.5 on the Road
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | -3.5 (-110) | -190 | O 44 (-115) |
| Jaguars | +3.5 (-110) | +165 | U 44 (-105) |
Houston Needs a Win After Losing 3 of 4
The Texans have maintained their lead in the AFC South despite struggling over the last month. Their loss to rampaging Detroit was somewhat understandable even though they blew a 23-7 halftime lead. However, there are few excuses to lose to the New York Jets or Tennessee.
Fortunately for Houston, their closest division competitor Indianapolis has not taken advantage of their stumble. Still, they need wins. Jacksonville, at 2-9, is ripe for Houston to right themselves.
A major issue of late has been quarterback C.J. Stroud and turnovers. Over the past three games, he has thrown five picks. Tennessee held star running back Joe Mixon to 22 yards on 14 carries.
Jacksonville’s defense is among the NFL‘s worst. They surrender the most yards per game through the air per game. They are 26th defending against the run. Stroud needs to avoid turning the ball over and Houston must establish the run, controlling the line of scrimmage.
Trevor Lawrence Expected to Return for Jacksonville
Jacksonville needed its Week 12 bye to recover from the brutal beating inflicted upon them by Detroit.
The 52-6 loss was the worst in Jaguars history. Mac Jones started at quarterback for the injured Trevor Lawrence and went 17 for 29 with 138 yards passing and one interception. Lawrence, who was dealing with a shoulder issue, is expected to return to action against Houston.
The Jaguars’ season has been a disaster and the clock is ticking on head coach Doug Pederson.
They put up a fight against Houston in Week 4 taking a lead to the final 18 seconds before Stroud threw a TD pass to Dare Ogunbowale. Seven of Jacksonville’s nine losses were by five points or fewer, so they have been competitive. Lawrence is about five steps up from Jones.
The Jaguars are at or close to the bottom of the league in just about every category.
Texans vs Jaguars Prediction: Jacksonville Puts Up a Fight
On paper, Houston should not have a problem with Jacksonville. However, the Jaguars have kept many games close and dealt with some bad luck. Lawrence’s return gives them a much better chance to win.
Jacksonville will, at minimum, keep the game close in a relatively low-scoring affair. As underdogs, they will cover the spread, and the total points will be under 44.
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment