The outcome of the big divisional clash on Sunday, November 26, at NRG Stadium, can significantly influence which of the two AFC South teams will be going to the playoffs. However, in the shadow of this Jaguars vs. Texans matchup, another story is developing. The buzz about rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud being an MVP candidate is getting louder.
Going into week 12 of the 2023-24 NFL season, Stroud is listed as the 7th ranked player to win the MVP, judging by the +1800 odds provided by sports gambling apps. The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft is playing as a veteran, and the growing stats elevate his status in the MVP race.
If Stroud takes the Texans to the playoffs, he will probably secure the award. That road will go through Jacksonville, where another talented quarterback Trevor Lawrence is working to justify his status as the first overall pick in 2021. Let's preview the Sunday duel and examine the betting lines.
Surpassing Expectations
The Houston Texans have a 6-4 record, something nobody expected from the team, not after starting a rookie quarterback for the season. C.J. Stroud has thrown for 2,962 passing yards and 17 touchdowns while being disciplined with the ball, allowing only 5 interceptions from which three were thrown last week. What's even more impressive from the 22-year-old rookie is that in three games in a row, Stroud has over 300 passing yards.
The Texans are coming off a win against the Cardinals, and the C.J.-driven offense avengers 23.8 points a game. Most analysts admire Stroud’s composure in the huddle and ability to read the field like a veteran.
The best arguments working in Stroud's favor for the MVP award are the facts such as not being surrounded by talented wide receivers, the offensive line being average, and the defense being mediocre. Yet the team is bound for the postseason if C.J. continues to play at the same level and elevate his teammates' performance. The Texans beat their division rivals in September with a 37-17 score, and on Sunday they will try to repeat that success as the visiting team.
The Jaguars are Having a Solid Season
Following last season's postseason win, the Jacksonville Jaguars are trending to return to the playoffs. Although the 34-4 home loss to the 49ers signaled that this team is not a Super Bowl contender, they are hoping to improve their 7-3 record by defeating the Texans at home after last week's win against the Titans,
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is having a good season with 2382 passing yards and 11 TDs to 6 INTs. The first overall pick in 2021 does not replicate the hype of Stroud, although his defense is stellar, and has a great running back in Travis Etienne Jr. The Jacksonville offense scores 23 points a game and allows 20.4 points per contest.
Betting Prediction
It is too soon to predict Stroud's MVP chances, but on Sunday, his team is a 1.5-point underdog according to the best betting sites with free bets. The betting line on the Texans to cover is -110, the same as for Jacksonville. A moneyline bet offers -122 odds on the Jaguars and +102 odds on the Texans.
The total is 47.5 points with -10 odds for the Over and -112 odds for the Under bet. Both teams have a strong passing offense and respectable defenses making the Under a more realistic bet for this matchup.
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