Texans vs. Jaguars London Matchup: Picks and Analysis

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Texans Get the Early Lean in Crucial Matchup With Jacksonville

Jacksonville has an advantage after staying in London for more than a week following its win over the Eagles, while Houston now has to make the trip. Still, this is a fascinating divisional matchup, and the early lean is toward the Texans.

Houston finally earned an ATS win by covering last week. The Chargers are believed to be the only NFL team that has not covered, making them increasingly due to do so.

Despite Houston’s 0-4 record, the team still appears capable of turning its season around. The Texans have faced a difficult schedule, and their loss to Dallas came down to one play. The spread also suggests there is not much separating Houston and Jacksonville.

Houston enters this game with greater urgency. Beating Tennessee is not enough, and a win over Jacksonville would give the Texans two straight victories while knocking down a divisional opponent. Houston also started 0-3 last year before turning things around.

It remains unclear how much of an immediate difference Harrison Junior will make, but he already has a relationship with Stroud from their time at Ohio State. It will be interesting to see how Houston incorporates him alongside Nico Collins. Woody Marks could also have an opportunity against a Jacksonville defense that was difficult to assess last week against an Eagles team that had nobody.

Jacksonville may still be the better long-term team and could finish with a better record than Houston. However, the Jaguars did not look great against Philadelphia and did not appear worthy of being 7.5-point favorites. This week’s line brings expectations closer to reality.

If Houston eventually finishes around 8-9, 9-8 or 10-7, it must begin winning games like this one. The Texans may be ready to put together several victories, making them the current lean heading into Friday.