The Houston Texans hit the road on a short week to take on the New York Jets in primetime on Thursday Night Football. One team is trending down after losing on a last-second touchdown against a struggling AFC East opponent. The other returned to its winning ways, but will be down two key elements to the offensive personnel.
The Texans must prove they can win at less than 100% on offense. Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs’ tenure off NRG Drive could be over after the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win against the Colts.
“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Ryans said. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”
Here’s the staff at Texans Wire’s predictions for Thursday’s showdown between two vastly different AFC “contenders” to close out the month of October.
Yes, the Texans are down two of their essential weapons in the passing game, but this is a make-or-break moment for the AFC South favorite. The defense is good enough to lead Houston to a title. Is the offense able to keep pace?
With the Jets allowing over 125 rushing yards per contest, Joe Mixon should have a field day in space. Expect C.J. Stroud to finally get John Metchie III involved in the passing game, especially with him lined up in the slot. It’s hard to trust anything surrounding the Jets these days. Even if beaten and bruised, it’s easier to trust Houston’s front seven.
Texans 21, Jets 14
The 6-2 Texans travel to play the 2-6 New York Jets and are a shocking under dog after the loss of Stefon Diggs. This will require some of C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon’s best play this season but it’s hard to envision a red hot Houston defense suddenly allowing a broken Jets offense to find their groove.
Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and the Jets talented offense will find some plays – but ultimately DeMeco Ryans’ defense once again carries the team to victory.
Texans 20, Jets 17
It gives me pause that New York is favored in this game and they have a defense capable of frustrating the Texans offense. However, Joe Mixon should be in for another big day and Houston’s defensive line could wreak havoc against a fairly pocket-restricted Aaron Rodgers.
Texans 20, Jets 10
You can set your watch by Joe Mixon.
His consistently productive start to the 2024 regular season continued in the first half on Thursday night in New Jersey.
With 3:21 left in the second quarter, the veteran running back motored to the left and into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run in the Texans' game against the Jets.
It was the 14th play of a 98-yard drive that saw the Texans melt 8:23 off the game clock.
For Mixon, it was his 15th carry of the game, and put him at 85 yards in the contest.
It was also his sixth scoring run of 2024.
The Ka'imi Fairbairn extra point put the Texans up, 7-0.
Mixon had three runs of 10 yards or more in the half, including a 29-yarder.
Houston has scored the first points with an unlikely 14-play, 98-yard drive that used up 8:23 after Thomas Morstead’s 75-yard punt.
Mixon has 85 yards on 15 carries.
C.J. Stroud, under constant pressure, has had a rough night but completed a 32-yard pass to Robert Woods along the sideline. Stroud rolled right to avoid pressure, and Woods dragged both feet in bounds.
Stroud is 6-of-13 for 84 yards.
The Texans list guard Kenyon Green (shoulder) as questionable to return. Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (knee) also is questionable. Jets defensive lineman Will McDonald, who has a team-high eight sacks, left with a non-contact injury.
