The NFL season is heating up, and this Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Houston Texans will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. The game kicks off at 1:00 pm ET and will be broadcast on FOX. With the Texans leading the AFC South and the Jaguars struggling at the bottom, this matchup promises to be a thrilling clash. Let’s dive into the details and see what we can expect from this exciting encounter.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines have set the stage for what could be a one-sided affair. According to DraftKings, the Texans are favored by 3.5 points, while Bet365 and BetMGM have them at -4. The over/under is hovering around 43.5 to 44 points. These odds reflect the current form and standings of both teams, with the Texans looking to solidify their position at the top of the division.
Season Record
The Texans come into this game with a solid 7-5 record, holding the top spot in the AFC South. On the other hand, the Jaguars have had a rough season, sitting at 2-9 and languishing at the bottom of the division. This stark contrast in records highlights the different trajectories of these two teams as they head into this matchup.
Recent Form
Both teams are coming off losses, but in very different fashions. The Texans narrowly lost to the Tennessee Titans 32-27 in a hard-fought battle. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ quarterback, threw for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Jaguars suffered a crushing defeat against the Detroit Lions, losing 52-6. Mac Jones, the Jaguars’ QB, struggled with 138 passing yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.
Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Preview and Analysis
The Texans have been impressive this season, especially in divisional games, boasting a 3-1 record. They have shown resilience both at home and on the road. With key players like C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins leading the offense, they have the firepower to exploit the Jaguars’ weaknesses. The Jaguars, however, have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Their defense has struggled, and their offense has been unable to find rhythm, as evidenced by their recent performances.
Texans vs Jaguars Prediction
Given the current form and circumstances, the Texans are expected to cover the spread. Their offense is potent, and they are eager to bounce back from their recent loss. The Jaguars, on the other hand, are battling injuries and form issues. Our prediction for this game is a decisive victory for the Texans, with a scoreline of Texans 31, Jaguars 7. For bettors, the Texans covering the spread seems to be the smart play here.
NFL Betting Trends
The Texans have struggled against teams with losing records, going 5-11 ATS in such matchups. However, they tend to perform well in games with a total between 42.5 and 49 points, with a 21-9 UNDER record. The Jaguars, despite their struggles, have been a strong bet as underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points, with a 9-4 ATS record. They also excel in avenging same-season losses, boasting a 4-0 ATS record in such scenarios.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a significant role in this matchup. The Texans have several players listed, including Laremy Tunsil and Jimmie Ward, who are dealing with various issues. The Jaguars are also missing key players like Trevor Lawrence and Brandon Scherff. These absences could impact the dynamics of the game, especially for the Jaguars, who are already struggling.
Notable Quotes
After their recent loss to the Titans, Texans’ coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his disappointment, saying, “Just a disappointing loss for us. We didn’t do anything well enough to win this game.” Jaguars’ coach Doug Pederson, reflecting on their loss to the Lions, stated, “There’s nothing I can do to control that. I’ve been around this game for a long time, and whatever is going to happen will happen.”
Starting Lineups
For the Texans, the starting lineup includes key players like Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and C.J. Stroud. Joe Mixon will lead the rushing attack. The Jaguars will rely on Tim Jones, Brian Thomas Jr., and Mac Jones to lead their offense, with Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield.
Statistical Leaders
C.J. Stroud leads the Texans with 2,875 passing yards, while Joe Mixon has rushed for 786 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. For the Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 2,004 yards, and Travis Bigsby has rushed for 519 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. leads their receiving corps with 689 yards and 5 touchdowns.
As the Texans and Jaguars prepare to face off, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this divisional showdown will unfold. With the Texans looking to bounce back and the Jaguars hoping to salvage some pride, this game promises to deliver excitement and drama.
