The Houston Texans (6-2) will face the New York Jets (2-6) on Thursday Night Football in Week 9, where Houston will gain more ground in the race for second place among AFC contenders entering November.
Houston is coming off a 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but suffered a substantial loss on offense. Two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact play and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Texans are also down Nico Collins for at least one more game while he remains on the injured reserve.
“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”
Traded this offseason from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs was a constant weapon for C.J. Stroud in Houston’s up-tempo passing attack. He ranked seventh among all NFL receivers in receptions with 47 and 16th in receiving yards with 496.
In Sunday’s win, he was on pace for a season-high performance with five catches for 81 yards, including a 49-yard reception in the third quarter.
“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”
The Texans have opened as 1.5-point road underdogs against the Jets in Week 9, according to BetMGM. The over/under is set at 42.
Oddsmakers aren’t quite sure what to make of this game as the home team is usually afforded three points. But the Texans are struggling health-wise while New York is simply just struggling in general, so it makes sense as to why the game is nearly a pick’em on a short week.
Houston has also struggled as the favorite against the spread this season. The Texans have only covered once and it came against the struggling 2-6 New England Patriots.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT and will be televised on Amazon Prime.