Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Texans predictions: Critical AFC South opener for both

Story by

Story by
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Texans predictions: Critical AFC South opener for both

Tim Walters, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union · The Florida Times-Union

Fri, Sep 19, 2025 ·

5 min read

About Our Ads

The Texans-Jaguars series has been fairly lopsided since this Houston team entered the league in 2002.

The Texans lead the all-time series 31-15-0 and are 12-2 in their last 14 meetings.

However, it's been a tough year for the Texans so far as they've lost both of their games by a combined 6 points ( Rams 14, Texans 9 ; Buccaneers 20, Texans 19 ).

Meanwhile, the Jaguars did everything they could to lose their game against the Bengals last week , and ultimately did. The Bengals led the game for just 18 seconds, but that's all they needed in a 31-27 victory.

Bot the Jaguars and Texans are looking up at the surprising Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South standings.

This is the division opener for both, and the winner takes a big step forward while the loser starts to lag behind.

Can the Jaguars snap a two-game losing streak to the Texans, or will Houston keep its momentum while also getting its first win of the season?

Let's see what our Times-Union expert pickers have to say:

DEMETRIUS HARVEY

Jaguars beat writer

Jaguars 24, Texans 7

The Jaguars are rolling in a variety of ways. They lead the league in turnovers, they're the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL (through two weeks) and, frankly, their performance against the Bengals had positive signs despite the loss. While it's early, the Texans have some legitimate issues on both sides of the ball. I think the Jaguars can control the ball in this one.

Season: 2-0

MIKE DiROCCO

ESPN

Jaguars 20, Texans 10

Josh Hines-Allen , Travon Walker and the Jaguars' pass rush have a big day against a struggling offensive line and sack CJ Stroud four times. Another big day for the ground game and Travis Etienne Jr.

Season: 1-1

RYAN O'HALLORAN

Times-Union Sports columnist

Jaguars 24, Texans 20

Less pressure = more pressure.

"Huh?" you might be asking, but that will be the key for the Jaguars' defense against the floundering Texans offense.

Through two games, Houston has two offensive touchdowns in 20 possessions, reached the red zone only three times (no touchdowns), rushed for only 198 yards and is averaging only 265.5 yards per game (28th).

Expect the Texans to act with desperation to ignite their offense and save their season; since 1990, only four of the 165 teams who started 0-3 reached the playoffs (2.4%).

The Jaguars' defense should counter by blitzing less.

In last week's loss at Cincinnati , I charted the Jaguars rushing five or more on 15 of the Bengals' 50 drop-backs (30%). Against extra pressure, the Bengals threw three touchdowns.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile should continue to show pressure with linebackers and safeties stationed at the line of scrimmage, but at the snap, lean on edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen to harass quarterback C.J. Stroud. Cloud the picture for Stroud by dropping defenders into the middle of the field. If that means giving up short completions, fine – the Texans have yet to prove they can drive the length of the field (one possession of over 70 yards).

The Jaguars move to 2-1 with a critical home division win.

Season: 2-0

GARRY SMITS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 20, Texans 17

Make it by the margin of a Cam Little walk-off field goal from 55 yards. This losing at home nonsense against the Texans needs to stop, but 25 players on the current active roster weren't around for any of them, so they shouldn't feel pressured by any Houston Hex. Liam Coen would prefer the rest of the players have short memories, but one that will stick is Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair knocking their QB1 out for the season with a blatant dirty hit. Just remember: the best form of retaliation will be to win the game.

Season: 2-0

JUSTON LEWIS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 24, Texans 17

This is one of the games where "extra motivation" isn't needed. Jaguars should take care of business after the way the last game against the Texans went.

Season: 1-1

Florida Times-Union sports reporter Juston Lewis shown in portrait Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

CLAYTON FREEMAN

Times-Union Sports reporter

Texans 17, Jaguars 16

Why so much woe for the Jaguars against Houston? Among other factors, point to WR Nico Collins , who has racked up 374 receiving yards in his last three games against the Jags. Given Houston's various offensive problems, especially pass protection, this game is thoroughly winnable for Jacksonville . But too often, for the Jags, winnable doesn't equal a win.

Season: 2-0

TIM WALTERS

Times-Union Sports Editor

Jaguars 24, Texans 23

I was 18 seconds away from being 0-2 after picking Cincinnati last week, but then the Jags did Jags things. I contend that if Jake Browning were to only play the Jaguars, he'd be a Hall of Famer. But I digress. The Texans come into Jacksonville as 1-point underdogs, so this game is essentially a push. CJ Stroud has no protection from his offensive line and his offensive weapons have been non-existent. Yet, the defense has been pretty good, aside from letting Baker Mayfield charge downfield to win their Monday Night Football affair. I like how the Jaguars have been playing. They just need to clean up some penalties and the receivers need to simply catch the ball, especially when it counts, like on fourth down or in the end zone. It's hard to pick against the Texans because they desperately need a first win. But I think the home team gets it done for Duuuval!

Season: 1-1

USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA Deputy State Sports Editor Tim Walters

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars predictions: Can they beat Houston Texans at home?

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: