Jaguars vs. Texans: 5 Questions and Game Predictions on AFC South Rematch

How do John and Brett see the Jaguars as they enter their Week 17 rematch with the Houston Texans?

The Jacksonville Jaguars can redeem one of their most frustrating losses of the year in Week 17, facing the Houston Texans in a rematch of their 13-6 Week 5 loss.

So, how do we at Jaguar Report see the rematch playing out? John Shipley and Brett Hawn weigh in below.

1) Can the Jaguars' offense make up for their previous mistakes vs. Houston?

John Shipley: Yes. I said it then that the Jaguars' offense and Trevor Lawrence were not nearly as bad as the six-point performance suggested. They racked up over 400 yards of offense and had chunk plays throughout the game, both on the ground and through the air, and it was really a collection of plays on critical downs that hurt them. I think the Jaguars' offense will be able to dice up Houston's defense once again, but this time they will add touchdowns to the board.

Brett Hawn: With momentum on their side, the Jaguars have a prime opportunity to bounce back from a brutal week 5 defeat. Winners of five out of their last seven, the Jaguars offense has been a primary catalyst for their surge. It won’t be easy against a Texans team that has had their number in recent seasons, but I strongly believe statement wins against the Cowboys, Ravens, and Jets defenses means that this offense has turned a corner. 

2) Can the Jaguars' defense limit the Texans' dual-quarterbacks?

John Shipley: If they can't, they have bigger issues. Jeff Driskel does some of the zone-read plays that have given the Jaguars' issues vs. the Eagles, Giants and Jets. With that said, Davis Mills has proven to be one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL, and the mere fact they have turned to Driskel for a spark at times says it all. If the Jaguars struggle vs. Mills and Driskel, then good luck in two weeks if they make the playoffs and have to play Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, or Justin Herbert. 

Brett Hawn: The dual quarterback situation in Houston presents a unique situation for the Jaguars defense. To limit their effectiveness the Jaguars have to take away the passing game. The dual quarterback approach flows on its unpredictable nature and if the Texans passing game gets in rhythm it’ll be easier for versatile quarterback Jeff Driskel to sneak in unsuspecting rush attempts. Without the element of surprise it’ll be a long night for the Houston Texans offense. 

3) Who is the most important player on offense and defense?

John Shipley: Offensively, I think it has to be Travis Etienne. The Jaguars showed a genuine commitment to the run in ugly conditions last week, mostly with success. The Texans' run defense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season and there is no reason to think the Jaguars can't run it with success, which would make things easier on the rest of the offense and negate some potential room for error. 

Defensively, I think it is Foyesade Oluokun. With the Texans set to run a two-quarterback system, it will be important for the defense to put itself in the right situations pre-snap on every single down. Oluokun has done a lot to set up the Jaguars' defense this entire season, but this week will be as important as ever.

Brett Hawn: Offensively Travis Etienne will be relied upon early to push the tempo. The Texans Tampa 2 scheme challenges teams to beat them on the ground, making it paramount for the Jaguars run game to show up to play in order to be able to diversify their looks. Defensively, I am intrigued by the Tyson Campbell vs. Brandin Cooks matchup. An underrated receiver against a budding young corner will be one to keep an eye on in this game. 

4) Biggest storyline entering Sunday?

John Shipley: Can Trevor Lawrence finally beat the Texans?

For all of the progress Trevor Lawrence has shown this year, there is still one AFC South foe he has yet to conquer. Lawrence is 0-3 vs. the Texans since he was drafted, which is hard to wrap one's mind around when you consider those make up three of the Texans' six wins over the last two seasons. Lawrence pointed out this week he knows the Texans are a team he has failed to beat, so it is clear the challenge is at the forefront of his mind in his fourth contest vs. Houston.

Brett Hawn: Can the Jaguars win another?

In what was described as another must win game by head coach Doug Pederson, the Jacksonville Jaguars will come out with a vengeance in hopes to continue toward the path of the playoffs. The team that stands in their way is a 2-12 Texans team that beat them earlier in the season. It’ll be a better game then it appears on paper. 

5) Score prediction?

John Shipley: This is not the same Jaguars team from Week 5. I think the Jaguars keep rolling this week, winning by multiple touchdowns. 

Jaguars 33, Texans 16.

Brett Hawn: Trevor Lawrence has been on another planet down the stretch and I expect his excellence to be too much for the Texans defense to handle.

Jaguars 31, Texans 13