As Week 9 of the NFL season kicks off, fans can expect an exciting clash of AFC rivals in the Garden State. The Houston Texans are set to visit the New York Jets for a Thursday Night Football showdown. Last week, Houston secured a close 23-20 victory against Indianapolis, although they did not cover the spread as a 4.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, New York faced a tough 25-22 defeat against New England, losing outright despite being favored by seven points. Historically, the Jets hold a 7-3 lead in their all-time series against the Texans and have won the last two encounters, including a decisive 30-6 win at home on December 10, 2023.
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Who will take home the win in this matchup? Read ahead for insights on the Texans vs. Jets prediction!
Texans Look to Solidify AFC South Lead
Despite some challenges, Houston managed to clinch a hard-fought victory over Indianapolis, marking their fourth win in five games and rebound from a previous loss to the Packers. With a record of 6-2, the Texans enjoy a two-game lead over the Colts for the top spot in the AFC South, along with the tiebreaker advantage. In their recent game, Houston fell behind 10-3 after the first quarter but rallied to take a 17-10 lead at halftime. They maintained a 20-13 advantage after three quarters, holding off the Colts’ attempts to close the gap in the final moments. The Texans outperformed Indianapolis in total offense with a 363-303 yard advantage, recorded 21 first downs while allowing 17, and controlled the clock for 35 minutes compared to 24 minutes for the Colts.
Houston ranks 8th in the league for passing offense, averaging 232.5 yards per game, while their rushing offense sits at 18th with 114.9 yards per game. They rank 14th in scoring offense, averaging 23.5 points per game, and are 15th in scoring defense, allowing 22.4 points per game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has completed 177 of 276 passes for 1,948 yards, with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has faced 22 sacks and added 84 rushing yards. Backup Davis Mills has completed seven of 13 passes for 79 yards. Leading the ground attack is Joe Mixon, with 102 carries for 503 yards and five touchdowns. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale also contribute to the running game. In the receiving department, Nico Collins is the second-leading receiver with 32 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns, while Stefon Diggs and Dalton Schultz add depth to the offense. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn has been reliable, converting 19 of 21 field goal attempts this season.
The Texans face injury concerns as they prepare for this quick turnaround. Key players like Diggs (knee), Pierce (groin), and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) did not practice on Monday. Safety Calen Bullock was limited, while Collins remains on injured reserve. Houston needs to monitor these situations closely as the game approaches.
Jets Aim to Restore Momentum
The New York Jets are in a tough spot, suffering their fifth consecutive loss and falling to 2-6 on the season. They are now tied for third place in the AFC East, trailing the Bills by four games. In their last game against New England, the Jets initially led but ultimately fell short in a back-and-forth final quarter. New York held a narrow advantage in total offense (336-247) and gained 22 first downs compared to 19 for the Patriots, yet they were unable to secure the win as New England executed a late-game drive to snatch victory.
The Jets currently rank 13th in passing offense with an average of 224.5 yards per game but struggle in the rushing department, sitting 30th with just 86.1 yards per game. Their scoring offense ranks 25th, averaging 18.8 points per game, while their scoring defense holds a respectable 11th position, allowing 21.3 points per contest. Aaron Rodgers has completed 175 of 284 passes for 1,896 yards, contributing 12 touchdowns versus seven interceptions, while Tyrod Taylor adds depth as the backup. Breece Hall leads the rushing efforts, and Garrett Wilson is a standout receiver for the team. Greg Zuerlein has been effective on extra points but has faced challenges with field goals, hitting only nine of 15 attempts.
Injury updates for the Jets are concerning, as several key players including safeties Tony Adams and Ashtyn Davis, along with linebacker C.J. Mosley, did not practice on Monday. Others, such as wide receiver Allen Lazard and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, are also on the injury report. As the week progresses, updates will be crucial for the Jets’ game strategy.
Best Bets for Houston Texans vs. New York Jets
