After losing four of their last six games, the Houston Texans must regain their old identity should they plan on making a run in the AFC Playoffs.
A victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, however, means more than just bragging rights in the AFC South.
The victory carries a much grander tone toward both the last-place Jags and the division as a whole.
Houston is looking to secure its consecutive road win against AFC South opponents at EverBank Stadium. The Texans haven’t lost an interdivisional matchup away from NRG Stadium since a 31-3 loss on Oct. 17, 2021, at Indianapolis.
Sitting at 1-0 on the season following a Week 1 victory over the Colts, Houston could be in line to secure a four-plus win season in the division with a victory. The Texans can’t clinch a playoff berth this week, but it would set up a potential 5-1 finish in the division entering Week 18’s road test against the Tennessee Titans in what could factor in the postseason seeding.
There’s another record that could remain intact with a victory on Sunday. Houston hasn’t lost in Duval County since Dec. 17, 2017, when the team was already down countless starters, including then-quarterback Deshaun Watson, en route to a 4-12 finish.
Since 2017, the Texans have been 5-0 at EverBank and 6-0 in road tests against Jacksonville. The two played in 2019 in London, where Houston secured a 26-3 victory.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.