NFL Football BETTING PREVIEW - Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Football

2026-10-18 - Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

A Sports Betting Preview by FirstDown

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans
United States : NFL Week 6
Sunday 18th October 2026 - Scheduled 9:30pm EST
2:30pm (British Time)

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Preview

The last NFL game to be played in London in the 2026 season features two AFC South teams having very different seasons.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) have remained in London having narrowly beaten the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 thanks to a big Field Goal converted as time was running out. They looked certain to lose, but somehow rallied with less than ten seconds left on the clock and the Jaguars have taken early control of the Division with the other three teams all holding losing records through five weeks of the season.

Next up is a game against the Houston Texans (1-4) who finally got off the mark and who will be looking to build up some momentum after a really poor start to the season.

Making poor starts and being able to rally has become a little too common for the Houston Texans in recent years, but making the Playoffs after a 0-4 start is going to be hugely challenging and games like this one will have to be won.

Houston should travel to London with some confidence they can get the better of the Jacksonville Jaguars having added Marvin Harrison Jr to the Receiving corps.

There has been little wrong with the passing game between the End Zones, but the Houston Texans will be hoping Harrison Jr can give CJ Stroud another target when it comes to converting drives into Touchdowns. The Quarter Back has thrown over 1400 yards, but he has only managed 6 passing Touchdowns in the five games played this season, although CJ Stroud will be happier with the fact he has yet to throw an Interception.

All of the pressure is on the shoulders of CJ Stroud because the Houston Offensive Line has struggled to open up the running lanes and they are not expected to have much consistent success against this Jacksonville Defensive Line. The Texans will not want to ignore the run completely, but they will be aware that the success or failure of the team on the Offensive side of the ball will come down to CJ Stroud and his skill players.

CJ Stroud has been given a bit of time when dropping back to pass, although his ability to move around helps, and the Texans have to be encouraged by some of the yards that have been allowed by the Jacksonville Secondary. The Jaguars have been able to cover up some of the issues by making big plays and turning the ball over, but the Houston Texans should be able to have success on this side of the ball and that will give the Defensive unit something to protect.

Much like their Divisional rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Line may have some issues moving the ball on the ground and that is going to mean having to lean on Trevor Lawrence and the arm of the Quarter Back. Not only has the Jaguars Offensive Line had some issues finding consistency in the run blocking, but trying to move the ball on the ground against the Houston Texans has been challenging all season anyway.

Trevor Lawrence will be confident in his ability to attack this Houston Secondary, although his Offensive Line may be missing a starter or two and that does shift things.

The Quarter Back has been under some pressure when he has dropped back to throw, but using backups on the Offensive Line to protect against the Houston pass rush is far from ideal and that is where the underdog may be able to make some big plays. Rushing Trevor Lawrence will give the Houston Secondary a bit more protection and the recent head to head between these AFC South rivals shows the Texans have won four of the last six.

Moving the game from Florida to London does change some of the narratives around the game, but the Houston Texans look like an underdog that could spring the upset if building on the success from Week 5.

Prediction

Take the points with the underdog in this AFC South Divisional rivalry game played on the other side of the pond.

The Pick :

Jacksonville Jaguars 20-23 Houston Texans

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Houston Texans + 2.5 Points at -105 with Bovada