Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: Predictions, picks and … – USA TODAY

AFC South supremacy will be on the line in Week 12 when the Houston Texans (6-4) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3).
Jacksonville was back on track in a blowout win over Tennessee, thanks to Trevor Lawrence slinging it all over the field and the defense putting the pressure on rookie Will Levis. It was the performance the Jaguars needed after the thumping they took from San Francisco the week prior.
Houston continues to be one of the rising teams in the NFL, as the Texans have rattled off three-straight wins in what is turning into a possible playoff bid for the young team. Even though C.J. Stroud had an off-day, the team rallied around him to knock off the Arizona Cardinals as they head into a big-time matchup in H-Town.
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Lions vs. Packers | Cowboys vs. Commanders | Seahawks vs. 49ers | Jets vs. Dolphins | Falcons vs. Saints | Bengals vs. Steelers | Texans vs. Jaguars | Colts vs. Buccaneers | Giants vs. Patriots | Titans vs. Panthers | Cardinals vs. Rams | Broncos vs. Browns | Raiders vs. Chiefs | Eagles vs. Bills | Chargers vs. Ravens | Vikings vs. Bears
This is a huge, fascinating matchup in the AFC South and with the spread so tight, it really comes down to which traits you think are most conducive to winning the game. The Jaguars are best in the NFL with 20 takeaways and C.J. Stroud, while doing a great job protecting the ball early in the season, has turned it over six times in the last two games. Jacksonville also does well in red zone defense, where Houston can struggle.
C.J. Stroud threw a season-worst three interceptions in Week 11, but Houston still found a way to win. Stroud and the Texans can’t turn the ball over at a high rate and still defeat the AFC South-leading Jaguars. It’s taken a while, but Jags WR Calvin Ridley seems to have found his stride. The winner of the game will take over the lead in the division. The Texans already beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville in Week 3. The Jags are poised to return the favor in H-Town.
The AFC South matchup we’ve been waiting for is finally here, and could have game of the week potential. Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud will face each other in primetime soon enough. But I like the Jaguars’ experience over the Texans’ youth this Sunday.
It is the Texans time to shine. They are a gritty team that doesn’t let their mistakes stop them from winning. The Jaguars have beaten the teams that they’re supposed to, but failed to get in the end zone two weeks ago in a home loss to the 49ers. Houston won the first matchup in Jacksonville earlier this season and should get the home victory too.
When Houston beat Jacksonville by 20-points earlier this season, it was off several miscues from the Jaguars. Jacksonville won’t be as sloppy this team around considering the Texans are legit, but Houston has been balling at home. They take the divisional lead after another monster performance from C.J. Stroud.
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