The Houston Texans hit the road on a short week to take on the New York Jets in primetime on Thursday Night Football. One team is trending down after losing on a last-second touchdown against a struggling AFC East opponent. The other returned to its winning ways, but will be down two key elements to the offensive personnel.
The Texans must prove they can win at less than 100% on offense. Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs’ tenure off NRG Drive could be over after the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win against the Colts.
“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Ryans said. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”
Can Houston survive a close one against an AFC East opponent on the road down multiple offensive stars?
Here’s the staff at Texans Wire’s predictions for Thursday’s showdown between two vastly different AFC “contenders” to close out the month of October.
Yes, the Texans are down two of their essential weapons in the passing game, but this is a make-or-break moment for the AFC South favorite. The defense is good enough to lead Houston to a title. Is the offense able to keep pace?
With the Jets allowing over 125 rushing yards per contest, Joe Mixon should have a field day in space. Expect C.J. Stroud to finally get John Metchie III involved in the passing game, especially with him lined up in the slot. It’s hard to trust anything surrounding the Jets these days. Even if beaten and bruised, it’s easier to trust Houston’s front seven.
Texans 21, Jets 14
The 6-2 Texans travel to play the 2-6 New York Jets and are a shocking under dog after the loss of Stefon Diggs. This will require some of C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon’s best play this season but it’s hard to envision a red hot Houston defense suddenly allowing a broken Jets offense to find their groove.
Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and the Jets talented offense will find some plays – but ultimately DeMeco Ryans’ defense once again carries the team to victory.
Texans 20, Jets 17
It gives me pause that New York is favored in this game and they have a defense capable of frustrating the Texans offense. However, Joe Mixon should be in for another big day and Houston’s defensive line could wreak havoc against a fairly pocket-restricted Aaron Rodgers.
Texans 20, Jets 10
- Cole Thompson (5-3)
- John Crumpler (5-3)
- Logan Farlow (6-2)
- Week 1: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (Sept. 8, 12 p.m. CT) – W: 29-27
- Week 2: Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans (Sept. 15, 7:20 p.m. CT) – W: 19-13
- Week 3: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (Sept. 22, 12 p.m. CT) L: 34-7
- Week 4: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans (Sept. 29, 12:00 p.m. CT) W: 24-20
- Week 5: Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans (Oct. 6, 12:00 p.m. CT) W: 23-20
- Week 6: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Oct. 13, 12 p.m. CT): W 41-21
- Week 7: Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers (Oct. 20, 12:00 p.m. CT): L 24-22
- Week 8: Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans (Oct. 27, 12:00 p.m. CT): W 23-20
- Week 9: Houston Texans at New York Jets (Oct. 31, 7:15 p.m. CT)
- Week 10: Detriot Lions vs. Houston Texans (Nov. 10, 7:20 p.m. CT)
- Week 11: Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys (Nov. 18, 7:15 p.m. CT)
- Week 12: Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans (Nov. 24, 12 p.m. CT)
- Week 13: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (Dec. 1, 12 p.m. CT)
- Week 14: Bye Week
- Week 15: Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans (Dec. 15, 12 p.m. CT)
- Week 16: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 21, 12 p.m. CT)
- Week 17: Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans (Dec. 25, 3:30 p.m. CT)
- Week 18: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (Jan. 6, TBD)
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