Texans vs Jaguars Betting Odds - Schaub, Johnson go after banged-up Jaguars secondary
NFL Odds: Pick’Em Texans |
Houston-Jacksonville may be the toughest matchup for online betting players to handicap this weekend, and linesmakers couldn’t even made a decision on who should be favored between these AFC South teams. The two meet in Jacksonville on Sunday with playoff position on the line, and the Texans will be out to avenge an earlier loss to the Jaguars.
| Texans vs Jaguars Betting Odds: Pick’Em (Total: 46.5) |
| WHAT: NFL betting |
| WHEN: Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM ET |
| WHERE: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, FL |
| KEY STAT: Jacksonville is 1-4 ATS at home |
Texans vs Jaguars betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Texans (5-6) are in do-or-die mode after losing their last three, including two to Indianapolis in heart-breaking fashion. The Jaguars (6-5) had a three-game winning streak snapped with a 20-3 loss in San Francisco, but they quietly remain in the playoff picture. A win would put the Texans back into the running, while the Jaguars are looking to wield a death blow to their AFC South rivals.
Betting Edge: Draw
Texans vs Jaguars betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Houston offense is explosive enough, but too often, they make mistakes at critical junctures. Matt Schaub was on fire in the first half of their 35-27 loss to the Colts, then had three second-half turnovers, including a pick-six that sealed their fate. They’ve also seemed to give up on Steve Slaton and the running game, allowing teams to key on Schaub and Andre Johnson.
The Jaguars do most of their damage behind the No.8-ranked rushing attack in the NFL, led by Maurice Jones-Drew. David Garrard threw for 307 yards in the San Francisco loss, but he also had a pair of fumbles and Jacksonville was 0-of-4 in the red zone. Garrard has eight touchdowns and six picks this season, which shows the Jaguars may not have confidence in him to carry them to a victory. Instead, he’s more of a game-manager.
Betting Edge: Texans
Texans vs Jaguars betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Like their offensive teammates, the defense struggled down the stretch against the Colts, allowing Indy to march down the field for one touchdown, and then some shoddy tackling allowed the dagger. However, linebacker Brian Cushing may be the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He leads the team in tackles, and he had 11 and a pick against the Colts.
The Jaguars’ defense is hit and miss, and they were put in a couple of bad positions by their offense’s turnovers against the 49ers. They’re 26th in pass defense, which is something they’ll have to work on this week against the potent Houston aerial attack.
Betting Edge: Draw
Texans vs Jaguars betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Tackle Duane Brown (knee) left the Indy game early and is day-to-day. Brown has been Schaub’s left tackle every game for the last two seasons, and Schaub’s ability to have time in the pocket is huge for Houston’s sportsbook chances.
Corner Rashean Mathis (groin) has missed the last two games, which has hurt Jacksonville’s secondary in a big way.
Betting Edge: Draw
Texans vs Jaguars betting odds for total: 46.5
Four of the last five games between these two have gone over the posted total, and both are ranked in the bottom half of the league in terms of points allowed this year. Neither defense is what you would call exceptional, and both teams gained close to 400 yards in their Week 3 meeting, so take the over here.
Pick: OVER 46.5
Texans vs Jaguars betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
These two have split their last 10 meetings, with the Jaguars winning 31-24 in Houston back in Week 3. However, the loss of Mathis is a huge loss for Jacksonville, as Schaub and Johnson could run wild on the Jaguars’ secondary. Houston has to figure out a way to slow down Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville ground game, which gouged them for 185 yards in September. That area has improved for Houston in recent weeks. While Jacksonville is 4-1 SU at home, they’re 1-4 ATS, while Houston is 4-1 ATS away.
DJ’S PICK: Texans PICK’EM
DJ strives to give you the best sports betting analysis in the NFL, so check him out weekly in the Betting Edge at BetOnline. For more on the Texans vs Jaguars matchup, visit our stats section.
