The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ offense was slowed last week by the Kansas City Chiefs. Can they get it straightened out against the Houston Texans? We’ll give you the betting odds and our best bet prediction for today’s contest.
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Texans vs. Jaguars Betting Lines, Start Time, and More
All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Spread: Jaguars -7.5
- Moneyline: Texans (+295); Jaguars (-375)
- Over/Under: 43
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: EverBank Stadium
- Channel: FOX
Game Prediction
The Jaguars hardly looked like they had an offense ready to compete with the elite in the NFL last week. Against the Chiefs in Kansas City, Jacksonville was held to just three field goals and only 271 yards of total offense in the loss.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was hardly impressive last week, with a completion percentage of just over 50% (22-for-41) and 0 touchdowns. In addition, he is facing a Texans team that has given him fits early on in his career. In the two matchups in Jacksonville, Lawrence is a combined 47 of 85 passing (55.3% completion percentage), with no TD passes and two interceptions.
Even in last year’s 31-3 win over the Texans in Houston, despite completing 17-of-21 attempts, Lawrence still only threw for 152 yards.
One area that could help the Jacksonville offense is converting on third downs. Through two games, the Jaguars are last in the NFL in third-down conversion percentage at 25% (6 of 24). The Texans’ defense, meanwhile, is one of the worst so far at stopping offenses on third downs. They rank 29th in opponent third-down conversion rate (51.9%).
On top of that, Houston’s defense has been decimated by injuries, including CB Derek Stingley Jr., who was placed on the IR with a hamstring injury.
As for the Texans’ offense, quarterback C.J. Stroud has looked sharp in his first two career starts. He has thrown for 626 yards (5ft-most in the NFL) and ranks in the top 10 in both completions (58, T-6th) and pass attempts (91, T-4th).
But he has also been under constant pressure, getting sacked 11 times through two games, which was the most in the NFL entering Week 3. While Stroud has yet to throw an interception, he is facing a Jaguars defense that has had three takeaways in each of their first two games, and their six total takeaways are tied for the second-most in the NFL.
Establishing a running game would be a good way for the Texans to keep the pressure off of Stroud. However, when you are averaging a league-low 2.5 yards per carry, getting your rushing attack going is a little difficult.
MORE: Week 3 NFL Betting Predictions
Houston has tried its best to remain competitive, as it helps Stroud learn his position. But it just doesn’t appear as if the Texans have enough firepower to stay with the Jaguars. Jacksonville is considered a contender to win the AFC for a reason.
Jacksonville is due for a breakout, blowout type of game. This seems to be a perfect spot for just such a game. Playing at home, facing a rookie quarterback.
I will gladly give the points in this matchup.
Best Bet: Jaguars -7.5 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)