Texans Vs. Jaguars: M.A.S.H. Defense Will Have To Set Tone

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Houston Texans on Sunday and despite the Texans being without starting quarterback Matt Schaub, the Jaguars are 3.5 point underdogs. It's not surprise however, considering the Jaguars defense has been crushed with injuries at key positions. Cornerback Rashean Mathis was lost for the season with a knee injury and fellow cornerback Derek Cox now joins him on injured reserve. Linebacker Clint Sessions was also placed on injured reserve this week with a concussion. Defensive end Matt Roth has missed the past two days of practice with a concussion and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton looks like he'll miss his third game in a row. The defensive line is injured so much to the point that defensive tackle Leger Douzable is likely going to start at defensive end.

 

The doesn't spell good news for the Jaguars, considering their defense has been what's kept them from being blown out in most of their games. The Jaguars offense still struggles to put points on the board and ranks virtually dead last in nearly every offensive category (HYPERBOLE).

Here's what OddShark has to say about the game:

OddsShark Staff - The Houston Texans come off a bye week with a crucial divisional road game in Jacksonville, a match where they will entrust Matt Leinart with the offense.Houston QB Matt Schaub is out, which is keeping the point spread in check here (it opened at -3.5 for the Texans). If you are wondering how Houston typically performs after a week off, the UNDER is 6-1 past 7 seasons after their BYE week.The Jaguars limped home after a weak loss at Cleveland and they have now played 9 UNDERs in 10 games this season.

Unless the Jaguars offense puts something together, I have a hard time seeing them come away with a victory given the injuries on the offense.

Official Prediction: Texans 20, Jaguars 9