Houston Texans (0-4) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
Game Info: Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm (NRG Stadium)
Betting Odds: Houston Texans -6.5 -- Over/Under: 54 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Jacksonville Jaguars will travel to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost their 3rd straight games and dropped to 1-3 on the season after being defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals, 33-25, this past Sunday. Jacksonville went into halftime with a 13-10 lead, however, the Jaguars defense struggled to contain Joe Mixon in the 2nd half and couldn’t fight back after a 23-yard TD run by Mixon gave the Bengals a 24-13 lead with 8:28 left in the 3rd quarter. Jacksonville was outgained by Cincinnati by a 505-429 margin and committed one turnover in the loss. Leading the way for the Jaguars was QB Gardner Minshew II who completed 27 of 40 passes for 351 yards, 2 TD, and an INT.
On the season, Jacksonville is averaging 23.8 ppg on 388.8 total yards (284.5 passing yds/g; 104.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Jacksonville has been led by QB Gardner Minshew II who has completed 72.1% of his passes for 1,138 yards (301.8 yds/g), 8 TD, & 4 INT. the top receiving targets for the Minshew II and the Jaguars have been DJ Chark Jr. (15 rec, 204 yards, 3 TD), Keelan Cole Sr. (19 rec, 194 yards, 2 TD), and Laviska Shenault Jr. (16 rec, 191 yards, TD). Leading the backfield for the Jaguars who has been James Robinson who has 285 yards (71.3 yds/g) & 3 TD’s on 60 carries. Robinson has also been a threat in the passing game as he has 161 yards on 14 receptions.
Defensively, Jacksonville is allowing their opponents to average 29.3 ppg on 404.0 total yards per game (265.5 passing yds/g; 138.5 rushing yds/g).
The Houston Texans are still searching for their first victory as the Texans fell to 0-4 on the year after being defeated by the Minnesota Vikings, 31-23, this past Sunday. Houston rallied with 10 unanswered points early in the 2nd half to pull to make it a game, however, allowed Minnesota to pull away after a 4-yard TD run by Alexander Mattison gave Minnesota a 31-16 lead with 10:50 left in the 4th quarter. Houston was outgained by Minnesota by a 410-386 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Texans was QB Deshaun Watson who completed 20 or 33 passes for 200 yards & 2 TD’s.
On the season, Houston is averaging 20.0 ppg on 346.5 total yards per game (273.0 passing yds/g; 73.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Houston has been led by Deshaun Watson who has completed 65.6% of his passes for 1,092 yards (287.5 yds/g), 6 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for the Texans have been Will Fuller V (18 rec, 274 yards, 2 TD), Randall Cobb (13 rec, 213 yards, TD), Jordan Akins (14 rec, 168 yards, TD), and Brandon Cooks (10 rec, 138 yards). Leading the way for the Texans backfield has been David Johnson who has 197 yards & 2 TD’s on 51 carries.
Defensively, Houston is allowing their opponents to average 31.5 ppg on 409.8 total yards per game (228 passing yds/g; 181.8 rushing yds/g).
The Jaguars are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog and just 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The Texans are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Houston is the more talented team in this one, however, there really has not been anything I have seen from Houston this year that warrants them to be almost a TD favorite. Houston’s offensive line has been horrible this season and it has shown in the running attack which ranks dead last in the NFL. Jacksonville is currently in rebuilding mode and not expected to win many games this season, however, I give the Jaguars credit as they play hard and even picked up a win against a very good Indianapolis Colts team. I think this is going to be a close game in the end and although the Jaguars might not pull off the win, I think they will cover at worst with the points. Good Luck.
Brett’s Pick Jacksonville Jaguars +6.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
