| Houston Texans (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m EST | |||
| Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL | |||
| Where to Watch: CBS |
A classic AFC South rivalry is set to ignite this Sunday as the Houston Texans travel to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. While it’s only Week 3, this divisional showdown already feels like a pivotal moment for both teams, with a crucial first AFC South win hanging in the balance.
For the Texans, it’s a desperate search for their first victory of the season. For the Jaguars, it’s a chance to build momentum and defend their home turf, a place where they haven’t lost to Houston in eight years. Forget the records; when these two teams meet, it’s always a battle.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | +1.5 | +102 | Over 43.5 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | -1.5 | -120 | Under 43.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Houston Texans | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Jacksonville Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Points Per Game | 26.5 |
| 166.5 | Passing Yards Per Game | 219.5 |
| 99 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 169.5 |
| 17 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 20.5 |
| 207.5 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 220 |
| 120.5 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 80.5 |
Key Details
Houston Texans
Despite their 0-2 start, the Texans aren’t panicking. This is a team that has faced early adversity before, starting 0-3 in 2018 before winning nine straight to capture the AFC South title. Quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to build chemistry with his receivers, connecting with Nico Collins for a 29-yard touchdown on the opening drive last week. Collins has been a bright spot, coming off a 2024 season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
However, the Texans’ struggles on third down are a major concern, converting just two of nine attempts for the second consecutive week. They need to find a way to sustain drives and finish games, having lost their first two contests by a combined total of just six points. The addition of Danielle Hunter, who recently joined the 100-sack club, should provide a boost to their pass rush as they look to disrupt the Jaguars’ rhythm.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars, sitting at 1-1, are looking to establish their dominance in the division. A major storyline is the return of quarterback Trevor Lawrence against the team that knocked him out for the season last December. Lawrence has shown progress under new Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, but the team is still learning how to close out games, as evidenced by their 31-27 loss to the Bengals after leading for most of the contest.
The Jaguars’ ground game has been a revelation, leading the NFL in rushing with an average of 169.5 yards per game. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been electric, averaging an incredible 7.1 yards per carry. He already has 214 rushing yards and a touchdown through two games. If the Jaguars can continue to control the line of scrimmage with their rushing attack, it will open up the passing game for Lawrence and put immense pressure on the Texans’ defense.
Prediction
Back in my office days, I really, really would have loved to show up and ignore my boss. I knew better, so I did not. Apparently, Trevor Lawrence did not get the memo as he blew off coach Liam Coen. They chalked it up to emotions of the moment. I call it no respect and no discipline. In the office days, it would be called – “you are fired.” I will pick the team that seems more disciplined.
