Introduction and Overview The Houston Texans head into Week 4 looking to bounce back from a surprising and humbling loss to the Minnesota Vikings . While the offense struggled to find its rhythm, they now face a prime opportunity to get back on track against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are reeling after a 47-10 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars' 0-3 start has been unexpected, especially after high expectations for the team heading into the season. For the Texans, this game presents a crucial moment to regain momentum, particularly given the fact that they hold a rest advantage over Jacksonville, having played their last game on Sunday at noon. This divisional matchup is critical for both teams, but the Texans have a golden chance to further distance themselves from the rest of the AFC South. With the Jaguars struggling on both sides of the ball and reeling from injuries, Houston will look to capitalize on the opportunity to secure a much-needed win. However, the Texans themselves are dealing with key injuries that could make this game a close contest. Jaguars’ Struggles and Texans’ Opportunities The Jaguars’ 0-3 start has shocked many fans and analysts. Their most recent loss, a 47-10 blowout against the Buffalo Bills , exposed several weaknesses, particularly on defense. While Jacksonville’s run defense ranks respectably at roughly 10th in the league, allowing few rushing yards per game, their secondary has struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom of the league in passing defense. This provides the Texans with a significant opportunity to get their passing game going, especially as Jacksonville frequently runs man coverage. This type of defensive scheme could work in favor of second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has shown flashes of potential despite the Texans’ overall offensive struggles. Jacksonville’s defense, coupled with injuries to key players in the secondary and their star linebacker Foye Oluokun recently landing on injured reserve, makes this a favorable matchup for the Texans' passing game. Stroud will need to take advantage of these opportunities to create big plays and help the Texans' offense build momentum. Texans’ Offensive Playmakers in Flux The Texans will be missing several key offensive players for this matchup. Wide receiver Tank Dell, running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, and safety Jimmie Ward have all been ruled out for the game. In Dell’s absence, the Texans will turn to a group of players to step up, including John Metchie, who has been a healthy scratch for the first three weeks but now has a chance to make his mark. Veteran receiver Robert Woods and second-year receiver Xavier Hutchison will also need to rise to the occasion to help fill the void left by Dell. Joe Mixon has officially been ruled out for this game as he continues to recover from the high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2. As a result, the Texans will once again rely on veteran Cam Akers, who is now in line to start. Akers, who has shown flashes of potential, will need to take advantage of the Jaguars’ vulnerabilities in their defensive schemes, particularly with Jacksonville's run defense facing injuries of its own. Getting Akers going on the ground will be critical to the Texans' offense's overall success. Texans Offensive Line Looking to Rebound The Texans' offensive line had a rough outing last week against the Vikings, with several mental mistakes and breakdowns that severely hindered the offense. False start penalties, illegal formations, and poor execution in run blocking all contributed to a frustrating day for Houston. In pass protection, the line struggled as well, allowing several pressures and sacks on C.J. Stroud, making it difficult for the young quarterback to find any rhythm. This week, the offensive line will face a moderate test. While the Jaguars rank among the league’s worst in pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks, they do feature a formidable edge rusher in Josh Allen-Hines. Allen-Hines, who recorded 2.5 sacks in last season’s most recent meeting with the Texans, is a key player Houston’s offensive line will need to account for. A bounce-back performance will be critical for the Texans' chances of victory, especially in giving Stroud the time he needs to exploit the weaknesses in Jacksonville’s secondary. Improving their run blocking will also be essential as Houston tries to establish a ground game with Cam Akers starting. Defensive Adjustments for the Texans On the defensive side, the Texans will also be without veteran safety Jimmie Ward . This forces Houston to make some critical adjustments. Calen Bullock is expected to step into Ward’s high safety role, but there could be a trickle-down effect, particularly in terms of how the Texans manage box safety reps. The Texans will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to fill the void, and this could open the door for other players to emerge in the defensive rotation. Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ offense will be without star tight end Evan Engram , a major blow to Jacksonville’s passing attack. Engram was one of the most productive players on the Jaguars’ offense last season, and his absence leaves a gap for Trevor Lawrence to navigate. This creates an opportunity for the Texans’ defense to clamp down on Jacksonville’s offense, especially with the Jaguars already struggling offensively out of the gate. Final Thoughts This game offers the Texans a golden opportunity to get back on track, not only to erase the sting of last week’s loss but also to seize control in the AFC South. Although the division isn’t currently a tight race, the Texans have a real chance to create separation from the Jaguars. A win here would provide momentum heading into the heart of the season, and it would be a confidence booster for both the Texans' offense and defense and potentially end the Jaguars' season. With key injuries on both sides, the outcome will likely hinge on which team can adapt the best and who has the roster with the most depth. The Texans’ offense has the opportunity to bounce back against a struggling Jacksonville defense, especially with the Jaguars’ secondary struggling and key players missing. On defense, Houston will need to contain Trevor Lawrence and take advantage of the fact that Engram and other offensive players for Jacksonville are unavailable. If the Texans can limit mistakes and capitalize on these opportunities, they could walk away with a much-needed divisional win.