Houston Texans Face Must Win Situation in Jacksonville in Week 3

I use the phrase “muster win” cautiously, when it comes to situations in sports that aren’t literal MUST wins. Most of the time when that phrase gets used, there is still a small percentage chance for ultimate success, even after losing said “must win” game. So with that preface out of the way, I am here to tell you that Sunday’s game in Jacksonville is a MUST WIN for the Houston Texans.

At 0-2, it already feels like the mood around the team has become understandably dour. Fans are angry with the offense, under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. DeMeco Ryans is trying to tell all of us that “they’re close” to breaking out on offense, the same battle cry that eventually got Bobby Slowik fired. Make no mistake, 0-3 would feel like a catastrophic disaster.

Fun fact — only one team this century has made the playoffs after an 0-3 start, and team was:

Few NFL teams have recovered from an 0-3 start to make the postseason.

The 2018 Texans are the only team this century to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start 👀 pic.twitter.com/v6yU6g5cvy

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) September 17, 2025

So maybe it’s not a literal “must win,” but man does this season teeter on the brink of falling into the abyss, if the Texans lose. Let’s look at four things to watch for in this weekend’s matchup:

4. The return of Kirk and Berrios
Among the most frustrating things on the list of “stuff that still looks like a Bobby Slowik offense” is the fact that C.J. Stroud is still getting hit and pressured at an absurdly high rate, and it has undoubtedly affected his pocket poise. He needs quick answers, targets that he can get the ball to in under two seconds after the snap. Along those lines, the Texans will get their two slot receivers back this week, Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios, who were both dealing with hamstring injuries. Kirk, in particular, should get plenty of targets in the quick game.

3. First trip back since Azeez-gate
Jacksonville is typically not on the list of intimidating home field advantages. To be fair to the good people of Jacksonville, it’s not like the team has given them much to cheer in their recent history. However, I would imagine that THIS particular crowd on Sunday will be raring to go. After all, this is the first game back in Jacksonville for the Texans since this Azeez Al-Shaair hit on Jags QB Trevor Lawrence:

For starters, I’m hoping the best for Trevor Lawrence after this hit.

Now, let’s address it…

Lawrence starts to turtle up, but then takes two more chop steps before he slides. All of Azeez’ momentum is moving towards Lawrence, and he sees the ball carrier seeking the first… pic.twitter.com/5Xal3QTKzx

— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) December 1, 2024

This hit got Al-Shaair suspended for three games and turned him into the biggest NFL villain since Jack Tatum for about four days after that game. Al-Shaair will hear it from the Jacksonville  crowd, no doubt.

2. Travis Hunter, game changer?
The most intriguing new face on the Jaguars is second overall pick in the 2025 draft, and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter. The Jaguars drafted Hunter to play on both sides of the ball, wide receiver on offense and cornerback on defense. At least that’s what I gathered from this absurd diatribe by Jags GM James Gladstone:

This quote from Jaguars GM James Gladstone about Travis Hunter is pretty awesome pic.twitter.com/mzUyPRmQRv

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 29, 2025

Thus far, Hunter has nine catches for 55 yards, and three tackles on defense. Forget about “pushing the boundaries” of the sport of football. Hunter can’t even see the boundaries with a telescope right now. Texans, please do not make this his coming out party.

1. Ruin Trevor Lawrence
I’m not saying “ruin Trevor Lawrence” in an Azeez Al-Shaair 2024 style. I’m not an animal. What I am saying is that Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, two of the bright spots so far this season, need to continue their assault on quarterbacks. From there, the Texans need to take advantage of the inevitable gifts that he will throw to the Texans’ secondary. We’re still waiting on the supposed “best secondary in football” to get a pick this season. Let’s make it Sunday.

SPREAD: Texans +2
PREDICTION: Texans 23, Jaguars 17
SEASON RECORD: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS

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