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Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Preview, Pick, Odds

The Houston Texans have surprisingly been effective in the passing game so far through the Week 2 NFL season. C.J. Stroud has 626 yards, two TDs, and 0 INTs this season. Statistically, Stroud has played better than Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence through Week 2, who has thrown for 457 yards, two TDs, and one INT. Although an interesting statistic, I believe QB play will not be the main factor in this game. At least not in my Texans vs. Jaguars preview, pick, and odds.

Houston cannot run the ball, they have rushed for only 124 yards in two contests. If Houston is able to jump to an early lead, the lack of a running game will make it difficult to maintain that lead. Pierce has not returned to form from his 2022 season, so it remains to be seen if Houston’s running game will be a factor.

The Jaguars are a wildly inconsistent team, and I even bet on them last week to cover the spread of +3, and with a 17-9 loss, this was not the case. I was surprised at how ineffective the Jaguars offense was against the Kansas City Chiefs. The jury is out as to whether this is a testament to the Chiefs’ defense or if it is the Jaguars’ offense to blame.

Texans vs. Jaguars Date, Start Time, And Where To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Start Time: 1:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: FOX

Texans vs. Jaguars Odds

Moneyline: Texans +310, Jaguars -395

Spread: Texans +9, Jaguars -9

O/U: 44

Texans vs. Jaguars Preview

The Jaguars are favored -9 in this contest, a widespread for a divisional game. The widespread is likely due to Houston getting steamrolled against the Colts and Ravens in weeks 1 and 2. The Jaguars passing defense is similar to the Colts, both are not very good so far this season. The Texans still lost to the Colts by 11 points. This could be an indication that Trevor Lawrence plays well, which is why I will be backing the Jaguars in my Texans vs. Jaguars preview.

It is safe to say the Jaguars offense is better than the Colts’ offense. Houston was unable to stop the run from Richardson, the Colts, and the Ravens. Jacksonville should be able to run the ball all over Houston, especially if Travis Etienne Jr. is available in Week 3. He did suffer some cramping during the Kansas City game, but from reports, he appears to be fine for Week 3.

This will be a “get right” game for Lawrence and the Jaguars. They should cover the spread of -9. I predict the Jaguars’ offense will return to form in Week 3 against a struggling Houston team and that’s my main reason for my Texans vs. Jaguars preview. Trevor Lawrence will be a game manager, give the ball to his playmakers, and walk away with an easy win.

Texans Vs. Jaguars Best Bet

– Jaguars -9 (-110 @Draftkings)