Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

Texans-Jaguars Week 4: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s how many snaps C.J. Stroud, Jalen Pitre and the rest of the Houston Texans saw in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sometimes, a team needs one last heave to the end zone.

That was the case for the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

Behind a 345-yard passing performance from C.J. Stroud, the Texans advanced to 3-1 with a 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stroud’s 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds left gave Houston the four-point swing.

Nico Collins remained the go-to target, hauling a season-high 12 passes for 151 yards and a score. His 489 receiving yards this season have surpassed DeAndre Hopkins for the most yards by a Texans receiver in their first four games.

“I feel like there’s always room for improvement on your game,” Collins said. “My mindset, man, don’t get too comfortable. Continue to build, continue to take care of my body, continue to be available for the team and … all the pieces will fall into place.”

The defense stepped up after allowing an 8-yard touchdown reception by Christian Kirk with six minutes left in the third. Jacksonville nearly put the game away after Tank Bigsby broke free for a 58-yard run, but Eric Murray and Azeez Al-Shaair made a stop on fourth down at the 1-yard line.

After another drive of offensive miscues, Jacksonville had a second chance to ice the game. Lawrence tried to funnel a pass to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on third down, but Derek Stingley Jr. nearly came away with the interception.

Stroud, who finished 27-of-40 passing, went 5-of-5 on the final drive for 45 yards and the eventual score.

Here are the snap counts for every player that contributed to the Texans’ Week 3 loss.

https://twitter.com/Cody_Stoots/status/1840715326905790715/photo/1

Offensive snaps: 75
Defensive snaps: 58
Special teams snaps: 14

Laremy Tunsil left the game due to an ankle injury midway through the second quarter, leading to 21 snaps from rookie Blake Fisher. The second-round pick also lined up as an extra body on a run design in the second quarter.

Without Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers was expected to take over as the new lead back. That wasn’t the case since Ogunbowale totaled 29 reps as the No. 2 option.

Akers, who rushed for a season-high 53 yards on 13 carries, played 30 snaps.

Safety Calen Bullock played 100 percent of the reps (58 snaps) on defense. Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Pitre also played 58 snaps in Sunday’s win.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for their first major contender of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars: WR Nico Collins ‘good to go’ for Week 4 matchup

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins said he’s ready for Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Nico Collins is suiting up on Sunday.

The Houston Texans receiver told reporters Friday that he would be “good to go” against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being limited at practice with a hamstring injury.

“I’m feeling great. No better feeling: a division game in front of your home crowd, home-field advantage,” Collins told reporters during the open locker room session. “Excited to go out there and spit it with the boys. An opportunity, new juice, let’s get our swag back. I’m happy for this matchup.”

https://twitter.com/Djbienaime/status/1839758279863632178

Signed to a new three-year, $72.5 million extension, Collins has been C.J. Stroud’s top target and one of the NFL’s finest. Through three games, he leads all receivers with 338 yards on 18 catches and a touchdown.

In last week’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, he managed to come away with four receptions for 86 yards, including a 34-yard grab in the third quarter to set up a Cam Akers’ 6-yard touchdown reception from Stroud.

https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1839724142892855424

Currently, Collins is on pace for 102 catches for 1,915 yards and six touchdowns, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

During the Texans’ breakout 2023 season, Collins became a focal point in the passing attack. He recorded career-highs in receptions (80), receiving yards (1,297) and touchdowns (8).Against the Jaguars, he caught nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1839740634472550412/history

“We’ve always had a good relationship and always read each other well on the field,” Stroud said following Week 1’s win over the Colts. “I think, even now, we’ll take the next steps. We’re trying to spread it around. We have so many dynamic players. It’s a good problem to have.”

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Jaguars vs. Texans, Week 4 injury report: Friday

Joe Mixon is trending up while Tank Dell is trending down for the Houston Texans entering Week 4.

While one essential piece of the Houston Texans’ offense is out, another one could be coming back.

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon was officially listed on the team’s final injury report as “questionable” for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After missing the previous five practices, it’s a positive sign that he could potentially play.

https://twitter.com/TexansPR/status/1839756932527337867

Meanwhile, wide receiver Tank Dell (chest), safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and backup running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) were all listed as “out.”

Receiver Nico Collins, who was limited Thursday with a hamstring injury, told reporters Friday he was “good to go.”

Mixon missed last week’s 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after suffering an ankle injury caused by a hip-drop tackle in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. He was listed as doubtful entering the weekend but later moved over to “out” before the team departed.

Without Mixon, the Texans never found stability or consistency on the ground. Cam Akers started in Mixon’s place, and could start again Sunday if Mixon can’t go.

As a team, the Texans rushed for just 38 yards on 14 carries against the Vikings. Akers found his way into the end zone for the first time in nearly a year, but it came on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud in the third quarter.

For Dell, who left in the fourth quarter after totaling a season-high five catches, his impact could be replaced by one of several targets. Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods and John Metchie III all have experience playing.

Sunday could be a breakout game for Metchie, who was inactive for the first three games.

https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1839757035119792453

As for Jacksonville, tight end Evan Engram won’t play due to a hamstring strain. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokum also has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder), linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee), cornerback Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and safety Darnell Savage Jr. (quad) are all listed as questionable.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive positive update surrounding RB Joe Mixon’s status

Houston Texans Joe Mixon could be gearing up to play Sunday after practicing for the first time in nearly two weeks.

While he’s not officially back, the Houston Texans received positive news surrounding Joe Mixon.

The Pro Bowl running back returned to practice for the first time in nearly two weeks after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.

With Dameon Pierce still sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Texans could turn to Mixon as the feature runner on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

https://twitter.com/LandryLocker/status/1839701375376044056

Mixon missed five consecutive practices after leaving Week 2’s matchup during the fourth quarter. Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards used an illegal hip-drop tackle to bring him down. While Mixon immediately got checked out in both the blue tent and locker room, he was limited to two carries for five yards over the final 15 minutes.

https://twitter.com/jonmalexander/status/1839702049442640255

Edwards was fined $16,883 for the now illegal technique but was not flagged on the play.

In last week’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Houston’s ground game was docile with Cam Akers. The Texans totaled 38 rushing yards on 14 carries.

Having Mixon back would be critical to establishing a consistent ground game against a Jaguars roster that struggles to defend the run. It would also be better to indicate where the Texans stand with their rushing attack entering October.

Mixon, who inked a three-year, $27 million contract in March, rushed for just 25 yards on nine carries in the home opener after blasting off against the Colts for 159 yards on 30 carries.

Wide receiver Nico Collins returned to practice after being limited Thursday with a hamstring injury. Collins is trending toward playing Sunday as he looks to keep pace as the NFL’s top receiving threat entering Week 5.

Currently, Collins leads the NFL with 338 receiving yards on 18 receptions. Sunday could mark the breakout game for Stefon Diggs with Tank Dell potentially being out.

Kickoff against Jacksonville is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville TE Evan Engram likely out Sunday

While the Houston Texans might be without Tank Dell, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be without their star tight end.

The Houston Texans might be without star receiver Tank Dell Sunday at home, but the Jacksonville Jaguars will also be down a key offensive weapon.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson all but ruled out Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram for Sunday’s matchup at NRG Stadium. When asked out his status Friday morning, Pederson listed Engram as “doubtful.”

The former first-round pick suffered a strained hamstring during warmups before the team’s home opener against the Cleveland Browns. Engram didn’t play last week in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

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“With a hamstring like that, they’re finicky; let’s call it that,” Pederson told reporters. “It’ll be a long shot.”

Last season, Engram served as a security blanket for former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence en route to a career season. In 17 games, he caught h 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns.

He had one reception for 5 yards in the Week 1 loss at Miami.

While Engram’s departure hurts the Jaguars, Dell’s potential absence stings for Houston’s passing game. The former third-round pick out of the University of Houston suffered a rib injury in Week 3’s loss at Minnesota and hasn’t practiced all week in preparation for Sunday’s showdown.

“We’re confident the guys we have that are going to step up,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said Thursday. “If Tank can’t go, it’s not really going to make anybody blink. It’s just next man up.”

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1839676661396345004

Last year as Houston’s No. 2 target, Dell caught 47 balls for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games before he broke his left fibula against the Denver Broncos in early December.

Albeit a slow start, he was coming off his best performance Sunday with a season-high five catches for 62 yards. Dell also factored into the run game, recording a pair of reverse handoffs for 17 and 18 yards against the Colts and Bears, respectively.

Who wins Week 4 game between Texans and Jaguars?

Who comes away with a win on Sunday at NRG Stadium between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars?

The Houston Texans need a bounce-back win in the worst way just to show their dominance as a contender in the AFC South.

The good news? Winless Jacksonville comes to NRG Stadium after an embarrassing Monday Night Football showcase against the Buffalo Bills.

Most people believed Houston would secure a win over the Trevor Lawrence-led Jaguars during the preseason. Vegas is now sold that the Texans will win after setting the line at 6.5.

The total, according to BetMGM, is set at 45.5.

Houston is coming off the worst loss of the DeMeco Ryans era, suffering a 34-7 defeat at the hands of Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings. C.J. Stroud tossed a pair of interceptions to set up scoring drives for Minnesota’s offense. The offensive line was penalized seven times, including five against Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

“I’m excited, because the only way we go now is up,” Stroud said following the loss. “I’m very grateful and blessed that we did get our tails whooped today. It’s something to learn from, and I’m glad it happened early. And now it’s time to get to work.”

Jacksonville must win if it plans on making a late push for the postseason. Doug Pederson could be on the hottest seat in the NFL after suffering a 47-10 loss on the road at Highmark Stadium.

Josh Allen tossed four touchdown passes while James Cook and Ray Davis scored on the ground.

Trevor Lawrence, who inked a lucrative contract extension in the offseason worth $275 million, threw for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Through three games, Lawrence is only completing 52.8 percent of his passes.

While Vegas has been a fan of Houston this season, the results haven’t been promising. The Texans have been favored in all three games but couldn’t cover the spread in Week 1 or Week 2.

Houston could be short-handed on offense, especially on the ground. Both Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce missed practice on Wedensday and Thursday.

Receiver Tank Dell left just before the end of Sunday’s loss with what’s been ruled a chest injury. According to multiple reports, he’s not expected to play against the Jaguars.

Will Houston return to its winning ways at home? Will Jacksonville finally get a win and improve to 1-0 in the division heading into Week 5?

Who walks away victorious in Sunday’s noon kickoff?

VOTE!

Best NFL underdog picks and predictions for Week 4

Analyzing NFL Week 4 betting odds and lines, with expert predictions and picks of the 3 best underdogs to cash in on.

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Week 3 was one for the underdogs.

Eight underdogs won their games outright, including the Carolina Panthers beating the Las Vegas Raiders after Las Vegas had knocked off the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

Despite so many underdogs winning straight up, last week’s picks went 0-3. The New England Patriots failed to cover the spread against the New York Jets, the LA Chargers lost outright to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons did not cover the spread against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing our underdog picks record to 4-4-1.

Let’s see where we can make up ground in Week 4.

Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook NFL odds, and tab the best NFL Week 4 underdog bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.

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NFL underdog predictions: Week 4

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:10 a.m. ET. All games Sunday and ET unless noted.

Cowboys at GIANTS +6 (-110) – Thursday, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers is proving to be a problem for opponents with 3 TDs in the last 2 games.

The Dallas Cowboys have beaten the Giants 6 straight times by at least a touchdown, but this team is no good defensively, allowing at least 190 rushing yards in their last 2 games.

The Giants have allowed only 2 TDs in their last 2 games but have allowed 9 scoring drives.

This should be a track meet for both teams with whoever has the ball last winning a close game.

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JAGUARS +6.5 (-110) at Texans – 1 p.m. (CBS)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have beaten the Houston Texans outright in their last 2 trips to Houston.

While Jacksonville has looked hapless both offensively (13.3 PPG) and defensively (28.3 PPG allowed), much of the defensive damage was against the Buffalo Bills last week in a 47-10 loss. Their other 2 losses were by 3 and 5 points.

The Texans have allowed 27 or more points in 2 of 3 games and failed to score 20 points themselves in 2 of 3 games.

With both coming off blowout losses, expect a hard-fought, close divisional matchup.

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RAMS (+135) at Bears – 1 p.m. (FOX)

The LA Rams upset the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 without WRs Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua.

The Chicago Bears are simply not good offensively yet. They have scored only 3 offensive touchdowns this season. If it weren’t for defensive and special teams touchdowns in Week 1, the Bears would be averaging 12.7 PPG. They allowed 140 rushing yards to the Tennessee Titans and 150 to the Indianapolis Colts. Rams RB Kyren Williams is very good, scoring twice last week against the Niners.

The Bears have turned the ball over 5 times in the last 2 games. The Rams have 2 turnovers all season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Announcers set for Jaguars vs. Texans Week 4 game

Here’s who is on the call Sunday afternoon when the Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Houston Texans return home to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars with a chance to advance to 2-0 in AFC South division play.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville looks to secure its first win of the 2024 season.

The Texans’ Week 4 game will air on CBS as one of the early slot matchups at NRG Stadium. Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Trent Green (analyst) will serve on the call for the first time in Houston this season.

Houston (2-1) is coming off perhaps its worst loss in the DeMeco Ryans’ era on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. Former first-round quarterback Sam Darnold looked like an MVP after throwing a career-high four touchdown passes en route to a 34-7 win at U.S. Bank Stadium.

C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions, leading to a pair of scoring drives for Minnesota. The offensive line was flagged seven times, including five against Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Jacksonville has been one of the league’s biggest dissapoints to begin the new season after suffering a 47-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen tossed four touchdown passes while James Cook and Ray Davis each scored on the ground.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Jaguars vs. Texans, Week 4 injury report: Wednesday

Here’s who missed Wednesday’s practice for the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans’ offense was already down a pair of key weapons entering Week 4’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They now might be without one of C.J. Stroud’s best targets.

Wide receiver Tank Dell missed Wednesday after suffering a chest injury in Sunday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) also did not partake in drills.

According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Pierce is nearing a return to practice after missing the past two games. While Mixon is listed as day-to-day, it seems like Houston could elect to rest him one more week before taking on the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.

Dell’s absence is crucial due to his success against Jacksonville. Last season as a rookie, the former Houston product finished with 10 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns in two games.

“Tank will be day-to-day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We’ll see how he continues to progress.”

Houston #Texans Wednesday Injury Report for Week 4 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars: pic.twitter.com/5X2j2qmVFt

— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 25, 2024

Dell started off slow over the first two games entering his second season, totaling just four receptions for 34 yards. Sunday seemed to be a turning point after hauling in a season-best five passes for 62 yards prior to leaving in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Despite being down by 27, Ryans elected to keep all starters besides Stroud in the game for the final seven minutes with second-team quarterback Davis Mills.

“Injuries can happen at any given time,” Ryans said. “What if the injury happened first play of the game? Should he be out there? We can’t control when injuries happen. Guys are going to play. That’s part of our game, part of the nature of the business.

“Nobody can predict when injuries happen or when a guy should be in, shouldn’t be in.”

If the Texans are to be without Dell, John Metchie III could see action for the first time this season. He’s been inactive as a healthy scratch in all three games since making the 53-man roster.

“We have other guys who are well equipped,” Stroud said Wednesday. “Would we love to have one of the best receivers in the league to be out there? For sure. But it’s always, sadly in this league, next man up. Gotta find a way to win a football game.”

Here’s Wednesday’s full injury report for both Houston and Jacksonville:

Houston Texans

Player	Injury	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Game Status
WR Tank Dell	chest	DNP
DL Foley Fatukasi	shoulder	DNP
RB Joe Mixon	ankle	DNP
RB Dameon Pierce	hamstring	DNP
OL Kenyon Green	illness	LP
OL Jarrett Patterson	calf	LP
DB Jimmie Ward	groin	LP
TE Dalton Schultz	ankle	LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Jacksonville Jaguars

Player	Injury	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Game Status
TE Evan Engram	hamstring	DNP
LB Foyesade Oluokun	foot	DNP
RB Tank Bigsby	shoulder	LP
OL Cam Robinson	shoulder	LP
WR Gabe Davis	shoulder	LP
DB Darnell Savage	quad	LP
OT Anton Harrison	knee	LP
CB Jarrian Jones	shoulder	LP
CB Montaric Brown	chest	LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Texans RB Dameon Pierce expected to return vs. Jaguars

According to reports, Dameon Pierce should be back in the huddle for the Houston Texans this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While the Houston Texans could be without running back Joe Mixon for another week, they could have one name coming off the injured list.

According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Dameon Pierce is expected to resume activities and play in Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year running back has been dealing with a hamstring issue and hasn’t played since Week 1.

In Week 3’s 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Houston turned to former second-round pick Cam Akers as the lead back. Despite finding the end zone on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud, Akers averaged 2.9 yards per attempt on nine carries.

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The Texans could make him the feature back against the winless Jags, but having Pierce would elevate the run game and take pressure off Stroud to win vertically.

Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Bears, didn’t practice last week. The 2021 Pro Bowler didn’t make the trip to Minneapolis and could be held out until Week 5’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

“We will see where those guys are as the week goes on,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said of Pierce and Mixon’s status.

Houston hasn’t been able to duplicate its Week 1 success on the ground without Mixon. Over the past two games, the Texans have averaged less than 3.1 yards. They’ve yet to find the end zone on the ground, too.

Kickoff in the second divisional game of the season is scheduled for noon CT.