Texans vs. Jaguars Odds, Picks & Betting Guide: Are Deshaun Watson & Co. Worth a Bet?

Texans vs. Jaguars Betting Odds

• Odds: Texans -1.5
• Over/Under: 46
• Location: London
• Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET
• TV Channel: NFL Network

Odds as of Thursday evening and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).

The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars will take their AFC South rivalry across the pond this Sunday. The market has pegged Deshaun Watson and Co. as 1.5-point favorites, but are they discounting the Jags?

Our experts break down every angle of this matchup, featuring the biggest mismatch and staff picks.

Texans-Jaguars Injury Report

Which team is healthier? Both are banged up

The Jags downgraded OL Andrew Norwell (knee) to a DNP on Thursday, which typically isn't a good sign. Their linebacking core also continues to be banged up with two of their starting linebackers still missing practice, while Najee Goode (toe) has returned to limited practice.

Jacksonville's two key offensive players to monitor are D.J. Chark (quad) and Dede Westbrook (neck/shoulder). Chark should be fine, but Westbrook left last week very early and never returned.

The Texans did us a solid and already ruled out five of their players. Will Fuller, OL Greg Mancz, CB Bradley Roby, S Tashaun Gipson and CB Lonnie Johnson all won't be traveling to London. — Justin Bailey

Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.

Biggest Mismatch

Jaguars Passing Attack vs. Texans Pass Defense

Lost in the incredible production by Leonard Fournette has been the quality efficiency by the Jaguars' pass attack. Led by rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew, they currently rank eighth Football Outsiders' pass offense DVOA.

With this game being played in Wembley Stadium, the Jaguars also have a distinct familiarity advantage over the Texans.

Houston's 23rd ranked pass defense will be severely handicapped with injuries to each of its top three cornerbacks. Veteran CB Johnathan Joseph was held out of last week's win with neck and hamstring injuries but is hoping to play, while Roby and Johnson aren't traveling.

With a weak secondary, the Texans will try to pressure Minshew, who ranks only 26th in pressured completion percentage (PlayerProfiler). That, of course, will be more difficult with All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt out for the season with a torn pectoral.

Quarterbacks have enjoyed the safest of fantasy floors against the Texans. Over the past four games, opposing quarterbacks have averaged 303.5 passing yards and 3.3 touchdowns while allowing QB10 or better performances.

With an injured secondary and no Watt, the Texans will need to find a way to contain the Jaguars passing game even with the burden of also stopping Fournette’s efficient ground game. — Mike Randle

Sean Koerner's Projected Odds

• Projected Spread: Texans -2
• Projected Total: 46.5

Expert Picks

Randle: Jaguars +2[In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]

Jacksonville holds a huge advantage over first time opponents in London. Houston will be playing its first game at Wembley Stadium, making Jacksonville even more attractive as the underdog.

Jacksonville has a 2-1 record when playing in London and receiving between zero and seven points, including a 44-7 destruction of Baltimore in 2017.

The Jaguars have matched up well against the Texans, covering the spread in four of their last six meetings. That includes a 13-12 loss in Houston, when Fournette was stopped on a two-point conversation with 36 seconds left.

The Texans have lost Watt and come to London with a decimated secondary. The Jaguars have enjoyed quality quarterback play from Minshew, who has 11 touchdowns and just one interceptions in his seven starts.

Houston has been stout against the run, but Watt’s absence will be a problem against the NFL’s second-leading rusher, Fournette. The Texans have also allowed the most receptions (59) and receiving yards (476) to opposing running backs. [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]