The Houston Texans will need some help, but their playoff hopes will still be alive when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. With a win, and losses by the Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, Houston will be in the playoffs for the third time in four years.
Jaguars vs. Texans 2014: Online streaming, time and TV schedule
Houston is still alive in the AFC and could qualify for the postseason if things fall its way on Sunday.
This is the second meeting between the Jaguars and Texans this season. Houston emerged victorious when the two teams met in Jacksonville on Dec. 7. The Texans shut out their AFC South rival in the second half en route to a 27-13 victory.
Houston will hope for a similar effort with a shot at the playoffs on the line.
Nobody expected the Texans to be in this position, especially with the lack of talent at quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett and Case Keenum have all drawn starts, with Fitzpatrick earning the bulk with 12. However, Fitzpatrick broke his leg in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts, allowing Keenum to step in for the final two weeks. Last week, Keenum went 20-of-42 passing for 185 yards and an interception, but it was good enough to top Baltimore, 25-13.
The Texans need a large dose of Arian Foster, who is enjoying another fine season. Foster has racked up 1,223 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry with eight touchdowns. If Foster can keep Houston in manageable downs for Keenum, the team should be in good shape against Jacksonville.
The Jaguars are only 3-12, but they're coming off a win against the Tennessee Titans. Gus Bradley has the group playing hard despite being long out of the playoff race. The defense could keep Jacksonville in this game, especially the front four which has become a legitimate force. The Jaguars have amassed 42 sacks, led by Sen'Derrick Marks and Chris Clemons, who have combined for 15.5.
Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles will be looking for an improved effort against the Texans. In their first meeting, he completed 20-of-39 passes for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Bortles is seeking his first multi-touchdown game since Nov. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
How to Watch
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
Houston is favored by 10.5 points at home against Jacksonville, with an over/under of 40.5, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country.
To keep up on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.
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