Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Picks and Predictions for Sunday, October 18, 2026
The Houston Texans (1-4) face the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) on Sunday, October 18, at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. Houston is third in the AFC South after defeating Tennessee 26-3, while division-leading Jacksonville beat Philadelphia 19-17. The Jaguars are 3-point favorites after opening as 1.5-point underdogs, with the total at 42.5 points. For more NFL betting analysis, check out our free NFL picks.
Houston Texans Look to Build on Their First Victory
Houston snapped a four-game losing streak against Tennessee after losing 34-30 to Dallas and 19-17 to Indianapolis. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has thrown for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns, with no interceptions, completing 64.3% of his passes. The Texans average 340.8 total yards and 22 points per game, with Stroud averaging 280.4 yards passing per game.
Houston has rushed for just 395 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Woody Marks leads with 149 rushing yards, while David Montgomery has 138. Nico Collins has 249 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Houston allows 22.4 points per game, with Will Anderson Jr. recording 7.5 sacks. Jalen Pitre and Montgomery are doubtful, leaving concerns in the secondary and backfield.
Injuries: Jalen Pitre (S, doubtful, shoulder); David Montgomery (RB, doubtful, groin); Marlin Klein (TE, inactive, coach's decision); Collin Wright (CB, inactive, coach's decision); Nate Thomas (OT, inactive, coach's decision).
Jacksonville Jaguars Continue Their Strong Start
Jacksonville has won three consecutive games, defeating New England 35-6, Cincinnati 22-17, and Philadelphia 19-17. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 1,174 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 67.1% of his passes. The Jaguars average 334.8 total yards and 24.6 points per game, with Lawrence providing consistent production through the air.
Bhayshul Tuten leads Jacksonville with 349 yards rushing and two touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Parker Washington has 352 yards receiving and four touchdowns, while Brenton Strange has added 235 yards. Jacksonville's defense allows just 14 points per game and has recorded six interceptions. Foyesade Oluokun leads with 34 tackles and two interceptions.
Injuries: Anton Harrison (OT, questionable, knee); Montaric Brown (CB, questionable, hamstring); Ross Matiscik (LS, questionable, shoulder); Eric Murray (S, inactive, concussion); CJ Williams (WR, inactive, coach's decision).
Key to the Game
Houston's passing attack faces a Jacksonville defense allowing 266.2 passing yards but only 14 points per game. Stroud has protected possession without throwing an interception, while Jacksonville has forced six interceptions. The Jaguars also hold a rushing advantage, averaging 114.2 yards compared with Houston's 79.0. Jacksonville's stronger ground game and recent defensive performances give the Jaguars an advantage in controlling possession.
Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Game Pick
- Jacksonville -3 (+100)
Jacksonville enters Sunday with four victories in five games and three consecutive wins against New England, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. The Jaguars allow just 14 points per game, while Houston has struggled to establish its rushing attack, averaging only 79 yards per contest. Lawrence has thrown 10 touchdowns, and Tuten provides additional production on the ground. Houston's defense presents a challenge, but Jacksonville has demonstrated stronger overall form and scoring consistency. The Jaguars will win by more than three points and cover the spread in London.
Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Over/Under Pick
- Under 42.5 (-102)
Jacksonville has allowed just 40 points across its last four games, including 17 against Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Houston enters Sunday after holding Tennessee to three points, while its defense allows 22.4 points per game. The Texans average only 79 rushing yards, limiting their ability to sustain drives. Jacksonville has also scored 22 points or fewer in two consecutive games. Both defenses have demonstrated the ability to limit scoring, and the Jaguars' stronger running attack helps control possession. The combined score will cash under 42.5 points.