In a thrilling conclusion to Week 8, the Houston Texans narrowly clinched victory over the Indianapolis Colts, marking their second triumph against them this season. As momentum builds, the Texans face a significant challenge as they prepare for a short week, traveling to the Big Apple for a highly anticipated matchup against the New York Jets this Thursday Night Football.
The timing of this condensed schedule presents obstacles for the Texans, particularly with the absence of superstar wide receiver Nico Collins, sidelined for his fourth consecutive game after being placed on Injured Reserve. The situation is compounded by concerns over star receiver Stefon Diggs, who sustained a non-contact knee injury in the recent game against the Colts, raising questions about his availability moving forward.
Despite the hurdles, the Texans enter the contest as underdogs, a surprising development given their initial status as one-point favorites. Odds have shifted, now favoring the Jets by two points, according to ESPN BET.
This three-point shift in betting odds reflects the anticipated tight contest between both teams, which have had their share of struggles this season.
The Texans are eager to secure another decisive victory, aiming to build on the momentum from their sole significant win this season, as other games have largely been nail-biters that required a survive-and-advance mentality.
Leading the charge, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has positioned the Texans to maintain a two-game advantage over their AFC South rivals, capitalizing on their impressive 6-2 record so far.
With the injury concerns and the pivotal roles of Tank Dell and John Metchie III, the success of Houston’s passing attack now hangs in the balance. Stroud will need reliable targets, provided the offensive line can protect him effectively. Although the Jets have struggled offensively this season, it remains crucial for Houston’s offense to deliver in this challenging matchup.
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