Texans at Jaguars: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By John Buhler
The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon in Week 15. Here is a game preview, the betting odds and a final score prediction.
We’ve made it to Week 15 of the 2017 NFL season. One game that will be going on Sunday afternoon between AFC South division rivals will feature the Houston Texans (4-9) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4). Kickoff from EverBank Field in Jacksonville will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 17. Chris Myers and Daryl Johnston will be in the booth to call this game for FOX.
Houston enters play at 4-9 on the year. The Texans have been eliminated from playoff contention in the AFC after Week 14. Houston does have its next face of the franchise at quarterback in Deshaun Watson. However, his mid-season injury sank Houston’s chances at winning the AFC South for the third straight season.
Jacksonville enters play at 9-4 on the year. The Jaguars lead the Tennessee Titans (8-5) by a game in the AFC South standings. Jacksonville is on the precipice of making its first trip to the AFC playoffs in a decade. The Jaguars have an elite defense and seem to be one of the better teams in the AFC this season.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Jacksonville -11.5
Moneylines: Jacksonville -560, Houston +477
Over/Under: 38.5
According to OddsShark, the Jaguars will be laying 11.5 points at home to the visiting Texans. The associated moneylines for this game are Jacksonville -560 and Houston +477. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 38.5 points.
While it would be understandable to take the under in this one given Jacksonville’s nature as a defensive-minded football team, let’s side with the over since the Jaguars have a knack for finding the end zone on either defense and special teams.
This one won’t be particularly close. Keep in mind that Sacksonville was born back in Week 1 versus Houston in Houston. The Jaguars have sacked two of their division rivals more than 10 times in a game this season. This one could get ugly for the Texans should they turn the ball over early.
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Look for Blake Bortles to continue his well play of late, complemented with a solid rushing attack of Leonard Fournette behind him. Jacksonville will get into the end zone four times in this game to the two times Houston finds pay dirt. It will be a three-score game heading into the fourth quarter. Houston will get a garbage time touchdown, but it won’t be enough to cover the lofty 11.5-point spread.
Pick: Jaguars 28, Texans 14