The Houston Texans are looking to finally secure a win.

Who would have thought that would be the case after the last two seasons?

The Texans will battle the Jacksonville Jaguars in  Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season out at EverBank Stadium. Both teams would love a win to secure a potential better seed in their AFC South division odds once January arrives.

The Texans are coming off a heartbreaking 20-19 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Baker Mayfield capped off a two-minute drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Rachaad White to repay the pain from 2023. Both games in Week 2 and in 2023 ended with a scoring drive from a loser with just over a minute remaining and a six seconds on the clock from the responding team.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars are coming off a 31-27 loss on a comeback performance from Jake Browning and the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. Trevor Lawrence’s inability to connect on fourth down led to a scoring drive from Cincinnati to take the lead late.

Houston still knows it must be prepared for a battle in Duval, despite their success at EverBank Stadium for seven straight seasons.

“Travis Etienne, one of the best players, you talk about explosive running back, running the ball in and the passing game does a really nice job there. So, we got to be aware of the screen game. We know Trevor is an athlete, he can extend plays as well. Also, he has a really nice arm. He can sling the ball downfield, throw the ball in tight windows. Got to be on it there, got to account for their two receivers,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Brian Thomas., one of the really great young receivers in our game. Has a really bright future ahead of him. You throw Travis Hunter in the mix as well, how they’re using him. So, again, as every week, we have our hands full, Liam has done a really nice job there turning it around in Jacksonville very quickly, see how the guys are responding.”

To get a better gauge on the Jaguars, Texans Wire reached out to Paul Bretl, the managing editor for Jags Wire, to provide insight on what to expect Sunday afternoon between these two AFC South Division foes.

Texans Wire: What happened in Cincinnati last week? Even with Joe Burrow out, the Bengals were able to claw their way back to victory. Is this a concern for the defense?

Paul Bretl: “Despite the outcome, there was a lot that went well for the Jaguars. The defense forced three takeaways and the offense put up 400 yards. What hurt the Jaguars, however, were the self-inflicted mistakes. Drops, penalties, and some off-target throws took points off the board and provided the Bengals with additional scoring opportunities.

TW: What’s been the biggest difference for Travis Etienne in this new look offense for Liam Coen? He looks like a poised top-12 back who can make the difference in a game late.

Bretl: “One thing is that the Jaguars’ offensive line play is much improved this year compared to last. But in addition to that, Liam Coen has prioritized finding ways to get Etienne the ball in space, which is where he’s always been at his best with his ability to make defenders miss. Coen’s offense has rejuvenated the Jaguars’ run game.”

TW: The Brian Thomas Jr situation, what’s going on with that? Is he struggling, or is Trevor Lawrence struggling to find an identity his way?

Bretl: “It’s a culmination of things. Thomas has had drops, but there have been times where Lawrence has missed him or the two just haven’t been on the same page. With 19 targets in two games, the Jaguars have prioritized getting Thomas the ball and they’ll continue to do so. Coen likes the week of practice that Thomas and the offense have had.”

TW: Is Travon Walker the next breakout player in the AFC? He only has one sack, but he looks like he picked up where he left off with the overall physicality of the play.

Bretl: “Walker had a huge six-pressure game against the Bengals. And that physical play style is showing up in the run game as well. Along with Walker’s production, Anthony Campanile’s defensive scheme requires a more attacking play style up front—get off the ball and go. While there is also more movement and blitzing from the second level.”

TW: Who is an under-the-radar offensive name that deserves recognition?

Bretl: “Tight end Brenton Strange. He’s been a key member of the passing game early, is physical in the run game as a blocker, and can line up across the formation. That do-it-all skill set further opens up the playbook for Coen with all the roles Strange can fill.”

TW: Prediction and final score?

Bretl: “The offense is moving the ball and putting up points while the defense has steadily been taking the ball away. If the Jaguars can limit the mistakes, I think they put themselves in a position to win.”

Jaguars 20, Texans 17