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Jaguars at Texans: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) calls a play on the line of scrimmage in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) calls a play on the line of scrimmage in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Texans look to remain spotless against their AFC South rivals as they are in position to sweep the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For the first time ever, the Houston Texans have a season sweep of the Indianapolis Colts on their resume. The team has now won nine consecutive games vs. their AFC South rivals – meaning Bill O’Brien’s club is a perfect 4-0 within the division in 2016.

Meanwhile, there’s the opposite end of the spectrum. The Jacksonville Jaguars have dropped their last eight games. For the sixth consecutive year, the franchise has lost at least 11 games for the sixth straight season. Gus Bradley’s club came into this campaign with high expectations. But only the Cleveland Browns (0-13) and San Francisco 49ers (1-12) have won fewer games this season.

Odds

Line: Texans (-6)

Over/Under: 39

Last week, the Texans snapped a three-game losing streak and leaned on workhorse running back Lamar Miller. He ran 21 times for 107 yards and Houston’s only touchdown in the 22-17 victory over the Colts. The five-year pro has already established a career-high in carries (246) and has run for 1,010 yards in 13 outings this season.

Jacksonville’s defense is ranked fifth in the NFL this season in total yards allowed per game. But a closer look at the numbers shows that this team is a below-average 23rr in the league against the run. All told, Houston ran for 185 yards on 41 attempts last week at Indianapolis. Only four teams are averaging more yards per game on the ground than O’Brien’s squad.

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It’s been a pretty dismal year for Bradley and company. And it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the team’s sideline leader down the road. You can expect a spirited effort from the Jacksonville defense, which has enjoyed its positives this season. However, the Jaguars’ offense has been turnover-plagued throughout the year and that plays right into the hands of a Houston team that has excelled within the division these past two seasons.

Pick: Texans 21, Jaguars 10

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