JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2024 season, Jaguars "experts" – Tony Boselli, Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – will analyze the following day's Jaguars matchup.
Up this week: The Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent
- The Jaguars will win if: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence can shrug off a bad start to the season and put his team on his back. He said it himself this week: The time for words is past, it's time for action. The quarterback tried to rally his team after a Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns and before a one-sided loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 – and it didn't take. In this league, if your quarterback plays well, you have a great chance to win. If he doesn't, you don't. I believe he's capable of putting this thing on his shoulders and carrying his team to an important win ...but he has to go and do it.
- The Texans will win if: Pass rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter wreck the Jaguars' offensive game plan. Myles Garrett and Z'Darius Smith did it for the Browns two weeks ago and Von Miller and Greg Rousseau did in in Buffalo on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars' offensive line must give Lawrence and the receivers time. If they can't, the Texans will extend the Jaguars' misery.
- As Sexton sees it: The Jaguars are already a desperate team. They desperately need something to turn their season around and nothing would do it faster than a win over a division rival. Win and you're a game back of the Texans with a showdown with the Indianapolis Colts up next. There is a real, tangible opportunity and they can't let it pass them by. I say they win a close one and begin a new storyline in Houston.
John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer
- The Jaguars will win if: They play their best game of the season, if their best players play big – and if they start fast. The Jaguars played well enough to win in Week 1 at Miami, but fell behind13-3 and 34-3 at halftime in back-to-back losses to the Browns and Bills. The offense must score early Sunday to give the Jaguars confidence.
- The Texans will win if: If they protect quarterback C.J. Stroud and he beats the Jaguars' secondary the way Bills quarterback Josh Allen did this past week. Stroud struggled last week in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If the Jaguars make him struggle again, the Texans are beatable.
- As Oehser sees it: This is a tough game to predict because it's hard to believe the Jaguars will play big in big moments against a quality opponent. They haven't done this since a late November victory over the Texans in Houston last season. They can do it. They must do it. But will they do it?
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- The Jaguars will win if: They get off to a faster start, do better on third-down conversions and finish in the red zone. The Jaguars have a lot of holes to plug right now, but it starts with these three categories that have been really bad dating to last December.
- The Texans will win if: They score 24 points and protect Stroud. The Jaguars have some game-wreckers up front, but they haven't done that so far this season. If Stroud has time, the Jags are in trouble. If the Texans score 24 points, the Jaguars haven't been able to keep up on the scoreboard.
- As Martineau sees it: The Texans will win this game because there's nothing to make you think the Jags will win in Week 4. Sure, they should be better, but they are not right now. I wonder If there's just too much to fix at one time to earn a win. Houston will beat the Jaguars, 24-20.
J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com Senior Reporter
- The Jaguars will win if: They consistently get pressure on Stroud. The Jaguars had exactly one quarterback hit on Allen last week. Yes, Allen gets the ball out fast in Buffalo, but having only one quarterback hit in any game is unacceptable considering the amount of disruptive talent that has been assembled on this defensive front. When all hell is breaking loose behind them in the secondary, this defensive line needs to be the group to take over and change the narrative. Plus, a takeaway or two would not hurt – being the only team in the NFL without one through three weeks is bad for business.
- The Texans will win if: They get an early two-score lead, force Lawrence into unfavorable down-and-distance situations and keep the pressure on him to cause bad decisions. Can this offensive line settle in and block better when the rush is inevitable?
- As Shadrick sees it: The Jaguars' issues were exposed in the bright spotlight of Monday Night Football, but help is not on the way. Owner Shad Khan has provided every resource imaginable to this group of personnel people, coaches and players to give them the best opportunity to win –and they must be held accountable to whatever results come. This is the group tasked with turning it around, and they better hurry. It feels too early for a season to be on the brink heading into Week 4, but, alas, with back-to-back division games and then a two-week trip to London coming up, here we are.
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- The Jaguars will win if: They can put the past three weeks behind them and move forward, not getting caught up emotionally in the struggles of it all. They also must be better at the line of scrimmage. They've allowed too many pressures and not opened enough holes. The opponents have run for too many yards and protected too well. The trenches are the big thing. The Jags need to play better there. And you really have to get to the passer against the Texans and Stroud. Big assignment this week.
- The Texans will win if: They also shake the vibes of a disappointing week, having lost big at Minnesota. They need to harass Lawrence the way the Browns and Bills did. This game has who wins the trenches written all over it.
- As Frangie sees it: The Jags need to find a way out of this funk. But in the NFL, teams that are struggling have a way of bouncing back. I think the Texans will get the Jags best punch this week. I expect a fourth-quarter, down-to-the wire game.
Tony Boselli, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars left tackle
- The Jaguars will win if: They can start fast on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they need big plays and an early score to get out of their funk. On the other side of the ball: force some early three-and outs and get some turnovers. They need early success in this game.
- The Texans will win if: If Stroud is comfortable in the pocket, having time to press the ball down the field, the Texans are tough to stop. Their offensive line has struggled and will need to hold up in protection and get the run game going.
- As Boselli sees it: This is a must-win for the Jaguars and I expect them to come out with some juice. Lawrence will have a big day, and defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker harass Stroud all day. Jags win, 24-16.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars team reporter
- The Jaguars will win if: They play the way they are capable of playing and get some confidence early. An early score from the offense or turnover from the defense is the spark that this team desperately needs.
- The Texans will win if: The pass rush gets home early and rattles Lawrence. The Jags' offensive line has been a major issue that the Texans would be wise to exploit early and often.
- As Stevens sees it: I don't think the Jaguars will win, but I am hoping to finally see some energy after back-to-back weeks of looking completely lifeless. The players and coaches are the only ones who can turn this around right now and they need to want it for themselves.
Rain or shine, it is time to work. The Jaguars held practice today at the Miller Electric Center to prepare for Week 4 of the 2024 NFL Season. 🏈
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs coach Kris Richard during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safeties Antonio Johnson (26) and Darnell Savage (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant wide receivers coach/passing game specialist Tyler Tettleton during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive line during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant wide receivers coach/passing game specialist Tyler Tettleton during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Tyler Lacy (93) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Walker Little (72) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Walker Little (72) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars equipment staff during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs Zechariah McPhearson (34) and Daniel Thomas (20) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs Zechariah McPhearson (34) and Daniel Thomas (20) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant wide receivers coach/passing game specialist Tyler Tettleton during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars general manager Trent Balk during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackles Jordan Jefferson (98) and Maason Smith (94) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars outside linebackers coach Bill Shuey during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars specialists during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive line coach/run game coordinator Phil Rauscher during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive line during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars performance staff during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (14), defensive end Myles Cole (59), and tight end Shawn Bowman (49) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars personnel during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars performance staff during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive line coach/run game coordinator Phil Rauscher during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 26, 2024.
