The Jacksonville Jaguars hurt their chances for a higher draft pick when they scored a victory in Week 16, but it also showed they’re still looking to win games this season. Will the Jaguars head into an early vacation by beating the Houston Texans? Or will the Texans (+2,000 to win Super Bowl 53) take care of their business and win the game – and the AFC South as well? Going into the meeting Houston is favored by the sportsbook by just over a touchdown.
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Betting Preview for the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans NFL Week 17 Game on December 30, 2018
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston Texas
When: Sunday, December 30, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Jacksonville Jaguars (+7) vs Houston Texans (-7) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10)
If you thought that the Jaguars had lost any remaining appetite for success this season entering Week 16, they had it all squashed by playing excellent defense in a 17-7 road win over the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. The Jags didn’t give Miami’s offense much of a breathing room, as they held Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill down to only 146 passing yards and a touchdown with an interception while also allowing just 62 rushing yards. They sacked Tannehill three times for a loss of 25 yards. The Texans’ attack is a different animal and a harder one to slow and take down, but Jacksonville managed to limit Deshaun Watson and company to five points fewer than their season average in a 20-7 home loss back in Week 7. Now, if only their offense can put up a better show.
The over is 4-1 in the Jags’ last five road games.
Betting on the Houston Texans (10-5)
Unlike the Jags, Houston does not have to dig deep for motivation to win their regular-season finale. A win in its rematch with the Jaguars would give Houston the AFC South title outright, so expect Watson and his group go all out. In the first meeting with the Jaguars, the dual-threat quarterback went just 12-of-24 for 129 passing yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions, but got plenty of help from running back Lamar Miller, who exploded for 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Overall, the Texans had 141 rushing yards. Miller, however, questionable as of the moment for Week 17 because of an ankle problem, but there have been reports that he’s trending positively for Sundays’ regular-season finale. In any case, look for the Texans’ defense to smother Jacksonville’s offensive line that allowed four sacks for a loss of 28 yards the last time the two teams locked horns.
On the road so far this season, Houston is 5-2 straight up (SU) and just 3-4 against the spread (ATS) although the Texans are 3-1 ATS in their last four home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Houston wins, 23-14.
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