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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 3: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars betting picks, preview

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 9/21/23

CJ Stroud and the Texans are still looking for their first win of the season, while Jacksonville is hoping to get back on the win column after a frustrating offensive display in Week 2. This AFC South battle offers some intrigue on both sides and should be more exciting than the spread indicates.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Betting Odds

Spread: Jacksonville -9, Over/under: 44 points, Houston +320 | Jacksonville -410

Week 2 offers up quite a few large spreads, and this game is no different. Don't get us wrong, we get it. Jacksonville has Super Bowl aspirations while Houston is still a year or two away from being truly competitive. Still, the Jaguars have had their fair share of defensive lapses early this season, notably in the secondary.

Stroud just threw for 370+ yards and could find space to operate again here against a vulnerable defense. Houston had Jacksonville's number for quite a stretch there, winning nine straight matchups between October 2018 and October 2022, but the Jags finally got back a win in this rivalry, taking down the Texans 31-3 this past January.

Jacksonville is 1-1 ATS while Houston has yet to cover a spread. Both teams are 1-1 towards the over.

Betting Picks for Houston vs. Jacksonville

Over 44 points (-110 DraftKings)

The over feels like the right play here. Jacksonville's passing game should have absolutely no issues against what is one of the worst secondaries in football. That vulnerability could be exacerbated here with CB Derek Stingley out this weekend with a hamstring.

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Expect a big game from Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley. The Houston run defense is also a major weakness, allowing one of the highest yards per carry marks in the NFL. Travis Etienne should find plenty of room here, and he went for 100+ last time he saw the Texans.

As mentioned, though, Jacksonville's defense has left something to be desired as well up to this point, namely in stopping the pass. As such, Stroud and his receivers should be able to move the ball.

We'll take a shootout, with Jacksonville winning 31-24.

Check out Yardbarker's betting hub for more previews, predictions, news and analysis.

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