NFL picks and predictions, Jaguars vs. Texans 2014: Houston favored in do-or-die game for NFL playoffs

Reaching the playoffs is still a very real goal for the Texans, but the Jaguars will look to spoil those plans when the two AFC South rivals face off in Houston on Sunday. The Texans enter this game at 8-7 and in need of a win, as well as losses by the Ravens and Chargers, to get into the playoffs.

While asking for all three of those things to happen is a lot, crazier things have happened in the NFL and it won't be a shocker if Houston reaches the postseason. If they do make it, they'll be relying on quarterback Case Keenum to guide the offense after becoming the starter during their Week 16 win over the Ravens.

Keenum filled in for the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick, who broke his leg in a Week 15 loss to the Colts. Keenum is more of a game manager, though, and that was evident during the win over Baltimore last Sunday. He completed just 20 of his 42 passes for 185 yards and one pick and was never asked to carry the offense.

The Texans were moving the ball fairly well behind All-Pro running back Arian Foster, who finished the game with 96 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards and also threw a touchdown pass. The defense, led by All-Pro defensive lineman J.J. Watt, forced three Baltimore turnovers and sacked Joe Flacco twice, helping Houston get the 25-13 win.

The experts are mostly siding with Houston this week. The CBS Sports eight-man panel has seven picks in favor of the Texans. At ESPN, all 13 experts picked the Texans to win their home finale.

Here at SB Nation, all of our experts are leaning toward the Texans: