Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
Editor’s note: Follow all the NFL Week 3 action with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage.
CJ Stroud will attempt to get his first NFL win as he takes the Houston Texans (0-2) east to face Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) in an AFC South matchup.
The former Ohio State standout got his first NFL touchdown, two of them, in a Week 2 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Another positive storyline for the Texans was John Metchie III's debut after recovering from leukemia.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville offense has been chugging along with the addition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Jaguars scored four touchdowns in a Week 1 win against the Colts, but were slowed by the Kansas City Chiefs defense the next week and failed to reach the end zone.
Lawrence is 1-3 against Houston. He got his first win in January, a 31-3 thrashing that was Jacksonville's first time beating the Texans since 2017.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Jaguars vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under
The Jaguars are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Spread: Jaguars (-7.5)
Moneyline: Jaguars (-375); Texans (+300)
Over/under: 43.5
Not interested in this game? Our guide to the NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and/or Monday Night Football odds.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
Which NFL teams can survive 0-2 start? Ranking all nine by playoff viability
NFL Week 3 odds, predictions and picks
49ers vs. Giants | Ravens vs. Colts | Browns vs. Titans | Lions vs. Falcons | Packers vs. Saints | Jaguars vs. Texans | Dolphins vs. Broncos | Vikings vs. Chargers | Jets vs. Patriots | Commanders vs. Bills | Seahawks vs. Panthers | Cardinals vs. Cowboys | Chiefs vs. Bears | Raiders vs. Steelers | Buccaneers vs. Eagles | Bengals vs. Rams
Lorenzo Reyes: Jaguars 24, Texans 10
Houston struggled against a very young Colts team that had Anthony Richardson knocked out fairly early in the second quarter. The Jaguars have more talent across the board and are looking to bounce back after a loss, against a division opponent. Until they prove otherwise, the Texans aren’t worth backing just yet, even against big spreads like this one.
Tyler Dragon: Jaguars 27, Texans 12
Jacksonville played the Chiefs tough but lost to Kansas City for the third time since last November. Luckily for the Jaguars, the Texans aren’t the Chiefs. This is an AFC South divisional game, but the Texans are rebuilding.
Victoria Hernandez: Jaguars 20, Texans 12
CJ Stroud has a boost of confidence after getting his first NFL touchdown(s) and the Texans have a lot of good energy around the team. But Trevor Lawrence will be charged up at home seeking redemption for a Week 2 loss where the Jaguars failed to reach the end zone.
Jordan Mendoza: Jaguars 34, Texans 17
The Jaguars offense wasn’t able to deliver against the Chiefs, but they get a matchup against a Texans defense that has been shaky through two weeks. Jacksonville gets back on track with a big day while C.J. Stroud continues to find his footing in the NFL.
NFL power rankings Week 3: Saints, Steelers tick up after 'Monday Night Football' wins
NFL salaries: These are the highest paid NFL players
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Game predictions, picks, odds
