Houston Texans Set to Face New York Jets on Thursday Night

The Houston Texans (6-2) will visit the New York Jets (2-6) on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. EDT, with the game available to stream on Amazon Prime. As per the latest betting odds from BetMGM, the Jets are favored by 2 points.

In terms of performance against the spread this season, the Texans hold a record of 3-4-1, while the Jets sit at 2-6. Historically, the Jets have an advantage in their series against the Texans, leading 7-3. The two teams last met on December 10, 2023, where the Jets secured a convincing 30-6 victory in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In their respective matchups last week, the Texans managed a close win over the Colts, winning 23-20, while the Jets narrowly fell to the Patriots, losing 25-22.

When looking at offensive statistics, the Texans rank ninth overall, with their rushing attack positioned at 18th, passing game at eighth, and scoring at 14th. On the defensive side, they shine much brighter, ranking second overall, 13th against the run, third against the pass, and tied for 15th in scoring defense. In contrast, the Jets find themselves ranked 24th in overall offense, 30th in rushing, 13th in passing, and 25th in scoring. However, their defensive unit ranks much better, sitting fourth overall, 17th against the run, second against the pass, and tied for 11th in scoring defense. The Texans also boast a positive turnover differential at plus-4, while the Jets are significantly behind at minus-3.

One player to keep an eye on for the Texans is running back Joe Mixon, who has been instrumental in their offensive strategy since returning from an injury. With wide receiver Stefon Diggs out for the season due to an ACL tear sustained last weekend, Mixon becomes even more critical to their game plan. Averaging 100.6 rushing yards per game, Mixon’s recent performances include at least 100 yards and a touchdown in three consecutive outings.

For the Jets, edge rusher Haason Reddick is a key player to watch. After recently concluding a contract holdout, he debuted with the Jets and played 26 snaps, effectively applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud facing 22 sacks this season—ranking third in the league—Reddick’s involvement could significantly aid the Jets’ defensive efforts.

A significant matchup to focus on will be the Jets’ offensive line versus the Texans’ formidable pass rush. The Jets have struggled with injuries and consistency, particularly in protecting their quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Texans, boasting 27 sacks this season (the third most in the league), present a substantial challenge. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. stands out with a career-high 7.5 sacks, while Danielle Hunter and Tim Settle also contribute significantly to a robust Houston defense.

In terms of injuries, the Texans are grappling with missing crucial players, including wide receiver Nico Collins, who is on injured reserve, and safety Jimmie Ward, who is likely to miss a fifth straight game. The Jets are similarly impacted, with linebacker C.J. Mosley potentially sidelined after suffering a stinger last week, along with other players struggling with injuries.

The Jets have claimed victory in their last two encounters with the Texans and dominated early in the series, winning the first five matchups. As the Jets seek to break a five-game losing streak, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich looks for his first win in that capacity while continuing his role as defensive coordinator. Meanwhile, the Texans aim to build on their strong record and solidify their position within the AFC South.

Currently, the Texans have triumphed in four of their last five games, with impressive performances from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Additionally, fantasy players may want to consider Houston’s wide receiver John Metchie, who has shown promise and could become a reliable option with increased targets in light of recent injuries to key teammates.