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The Jaguars may be once again in last place in the AFC South, but there are more than a few reasons they’re a two-point underdog Sunday against Houston.
Stop. Think about this for a second: The Texans, in first place in the division at 5-3, are the underdog this week against Jacksonville, a team they’ve beaten in four straight meetings.
Just another Week in the AFC South.
The Texans are 0-3 on the road this season, but those games are at New England, at then-undefeated Minnesota, and at Denver. Last season the Texans limped into the bye week at 3-5, but went 6-2 the rest of the way to win the division.
So why are the Jaguars favored? Last week in a loss to the Chiefs, the Jaguars put up 449 yards of offense. That includes 205 rushing yards, and doesn’t include a few deep connections from Bortles that barely missed. It was the team’s first week with Nate Hackett as offensive coordinator, and the Jags still have another week or two under Hackett before teams grow familiar with his adjustments.
The Texans best player on offense is Lamar Miller, and he’s been dealing with injuries on the bye week. He wasn’t on the final injury report this week, but the Texans did activate Akeem Hunt from the practice squad, so Miller’s role could be reduced in the second half of the season.
If the Jaguars offense can stay on the field, maybe their well-rested defense could grab a few takeaways from Brock Osweiler. I liked Jacksonville’s energy last week, and it doesn’t hurt that they’ve been 5-3 against the spread this season.
Heavy’s Pick: Texans 23 Jaguars 29. Jaguars -2.5. Over on the Point Total (42).