The Houston Texans enter Week 6 looking to build on their first win of the season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars will offer a much tougher test. Houston is 1–4, while Jacksonville sits at 4–1 after a strong start and a narrow win over Philadelphia. The AFC South matchup takes place Sunday, October 18, at Wembley Stadium in London, with kickoff at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network.
The Jaguars have paired an effective defense with a productive offense, making them a serious challenge for Houston. Their run defense has been particularly strong, allowing just 63.8 rushing yards per game through five weeks. That could create problems for a Texans offense that has struggled to establish its ground game.
Marvin Harrison Jr. joins the receiving corps following his trade from Arizona, while linebacker Henry To’oTo’o and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney have progressed in practice. However, running back David Montgomery, receiver Tank Dell and safety Jalen Pitre have been ruled out.
Here’s the projected lineup for Houston for Week 6:
Texans Offense: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Quarterbacks: C.J. Stroud (Starter), Davis Mills
Running Backs: Woody Marks (starter), Dare Ogunbowale, David Montgomery
Wide Receivers: Nico Collins (Starter), Marvin Harrison Jr. (Starter), Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell (Out)
Tight Ends: Dalton Schultz (Starter), Foster Moreau, Marlin Klein, Cade Stover, Brevin Jordan
Offensive Line: Aireontae Ersery(LT), Keylan Rutledge(LG), Evan Brown(C), Ed Ingram(RG), Trent Brown(RT)
Depth: Nate Thomas, Wyatt Teller, Jake Andrews, Febechi Nwaiwu, Blake Fisher.
Stroud remains the centerpiece of Houston’s offense. Mills provides experienced backup coverage. Marks, on the other hand, rushed for 62 yards against Tennessee and caught four passes. Jacksonville’s run defense is a major challenge, so Marks will need to make the most of his touches. Collins remains Stroud’s established receiving threat. Harrison is set to make his Houston debut after arriving from Arizona, reuniting with Stroud, his former Ohio State teammate.
Trent Brown’s return to full practice is encouraging. Still, Houston must improve its run blocking and protect Stroud from Jacksonville’s pressure. Ed Ingram’s availability and final status should be checked before kickoff.
Texans Defense: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Defensive Line: Will Anderson jr. (DE, Starter), Tommy Togiai (DT), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Danielle Hunter(DE, Starter), Dominique Robinson, Logan Hall, Jaden Crumedy, Kayden McDonald and Jadeveon Clowney.
Linebackers: Azeez Al-Shaair, Jake Hansen, Aiden Fischer, Henry To’oTo’o, Wade Woodaz, Jamal Hill
Cornerbacks: Derek Stingley Jr.(Starter), Kamari Lassiter (Starter), Collin Wright, Tremon Smith
Safeties: Calen Bullock, Reed Blankenship, M.J. Stewart, Kamari Ramsey, Jalen Pitre (Out)
Anderson and Hunter are Houston’s biggest weapons up front. Anderson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks through five games, while Hunter adds another proven pass rusher. Clowney returned to full practice Thursday, giving Houston another option on the edge. Al-Shaair’s groin issue and To’oTo’o’s shoulder recovery make this unit worth watching.
Stingley and Lassiter lead the outside coverage group. Their task will be to limit Jacksonville’s receivers and prevent Trevor Lawrence from finding easy completions. Pitre’s shoulder injury is a significant loss because of his versatility and ability to play near the line of scrimmage. Bullock and Blankenship will need to communicate well and limit Jacksonville’s explosive passing plays. Ja’Marcus Ingram is another defensive back to monitor after returning to full practice.
More on the Houston Texans
- Houston Texans Won’t Define Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Role for 3-4 Weeks
- 3 Thoughts Ahead of Texans’ Week 6 Game vs. Jaguars
- Will Henry To’oTo’o Play Week 6? How Texans Suddenly Have a Brand-New Team With 12 Games of Runway Left to Get
- C.J. Stroud Pushing for Marvin Harrison Jr. Says More About Houston’s Offense Than the Trade
