Texans vs Jaguars Preview: AFC South Clash at Wembley

The Houston Texans face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 18 October 2026, as the NFL concludes its three-game London series with an important AFC South divisional contest.

Jacksonville enter Week 6 with a 4-1 record and a two-game lead at the top of the division. Houston are 1-4 after ending a four-game losing streak against the Tennessee Titans.

The schedule lists Kick-off for 2.30 pm BST, with the Jaguars designated as the home team.

The fixture brings together two sides approaching the contest from different positions. Jacksonville are looking for a fourth consecutive victory, while Houston need to build on their first win of the season to reduce the gap in the divisional standings.

For British fans following the 2026 NFL season, it also provides another opportunity to watch a competitive divisional rivalry on home soil.

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Jaguars arrive in London with momentum

Jacksonville have established themselves as early leaders in the AFC South under head coach Liam Coen.

Their latest victory came against the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 October. Cam Little converted a 57-yard field goal on the final play to secure a 19-17 win.

The result followed victories over the Cincinnati Bengals and other opponents during a three-game winning run.

However, the narrow success against Philadelphia also exposed areas that Jacksonville must improve.

Penalties disrupted their attacking rhythm, while missed opportunities in the red zone prevented the Jaguars from establishing a more comfortable advantage.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence helped Jacksonville remain competitive, with Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange providing important contributions in the passing game.

The Jaguars also benefited from a defensive performance that restricted Philadelphia’s running game.

Coen’s side have built much of their success around defensive discipline and the ability to limit opponents on the ground. Jacksonville entered Week 6 with the NFL’s leading rushing defence through five games.

That strength could prove important against Houston, particularly if the Texans attempt to establish their running game before asking C.J. Stroud to attack through the air.

Jacksonville’s recent record offers encouragement, although their margin for error has been narrow.

The Jaguars cannot rely on another late field goal to overcome repeated penalties and missed scoring opportunities.

Texans seek a turning point after first victory

Houston finally secured their first victory of 2026 with a convincing 26-3 win over Tennessee in Week 5.

It was a much-needed response for head coach DeMeco Ryans after four consecutive defeats.

The Texans controlled large periods of the contest, with their defence preventing Tennessee from scoring a touchdown.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards, throwing one touchdown and adding another on the ground.

Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn contributed four first-half field goals, while Houston’s defence allowed only 187 total yards.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. recorded three sacks as the Texans repeatedly disrupted Tennessee’s attack.

The performance demonstrated that Houston retain the defensive quality to challenge stronger opponents despite their difficult opening month.

Nevertheless, beating Tennessee was only a first step.

Jacksonville present a different challenge. Their defensive organisation and recent results suggest Houston will need another balanced performance to compete at Wembley.

The Texans must also avoid allowing Jacksonville to establish early control. Falling behind would increase the pressure on Stroud to generate points against one of the league’s stronger defences.

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C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence face contrasting challenges

The contest features two quarterbacks attempting to guide their teams towards different objectives.

Lawrence has helped Jacksonville establish a promising opening record. His ability to distribute the ball and manage attacking situations remains central to Coen’s system.

However, Houston’s defensive front represents a considerable challenge.

Anderson and Danielle Hunter possess the ability to pressure quarterbacks without requiring additional defenders to rush.

That creates problems for an offence attempting to attack downfield.

Lawrence will need to identify pressure quickly and use his receivers and tight ends to move the chains.

For Stroud, the challenge is different.

Houston’s quarterback has generally protected possession well this season, entering Week 6 with six touchdown passes and no interceptions.

However, Jacksonville’s ability to restrict opponents on the ground could force the Texans into predictable passing situations.

If Houston struggles to establish a rushing attack, Stroud may face frequent third-and-long situations.

The ability of both quarterbacks to respond under pressure could determine which team controls possession and field position.

For readers unfamiliar with the responsibilities of quarterbacks, offensive tackles and defensive ends, World in Sport’s NFL positions guide explains how these roles influence attacking and defensive strategies.

Marvin Harrison Jr. adds another option for Houston

One of the most significant developments ahead of Wembley is Houston’s acquisition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals.

The Texans confirmed the trade on 12 October, adding another receiving option to Stroud’s offence.

Harrison previously played alongside Stroud at Ohio State, giving the pair an established connection.

The receiver looks likely to make his Houston debut against Jacksonville, although his workload will depend on how quickly he adapts to the team’s playbook.

His arrival gives Houston another potential target alongside Nico Collins and the team’s existing receiving group.

Harrison’s size and receiving ability could be useful in contested situations, particularly near the opposition end zone.

However, Houston cannot assume that an immediate improvement will follow the trade.

Building familiarity with offensive terminology and establishing timing with a quarterback usually requires practice.

The Texans will therefore need contributions from their established players rather than depending on Harrison to transform their attack in his first appearance.

Jacksonville face an important offensive line test

Jacksonville’s preparations have been complicated by the loss of starting left tackle Anton Harrison.

The Jaguars placed Harrison on injured reserve after he sustained a knee injury during their victory over Philadelphia.

Veteran Walker Little will replace him at left tackle, while Cole Van Lanen looks likely to continue on the right side.

The change creates an important tactical contest.

Houston’s defensive ends, particularly Anderson and Hunter, will attempt to exploit any uncertainty in Jacksonville’s protection.

Little brings considerable experience, including 31 career starts at left tackle, but his first start of the season comes against a demanding defensive opponent.

Jacksonville may need to provide additional protection through tight ends or running backs to limit the opportunities for Houston’s pass rush.

That could reduce the number of receivers available downfield.

Alternatively, Lawrence could rely on shorter throws to prevent Anderson and Hunter from reaching him.

Neither approach guarantees success. The Jaguars will need to adapt throughout the contest depending on Houston’s defensive alignment.

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Injury concerns ahead of Wembley

Both teams have fitness issues to monitor before Sunday’s game.

Jacksonville’s most significant confirmed absence is Anton Harrison. Long snapper Ross Matiscik also sustained a shoulder injury against Philadelphia and did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

Cornerback Montaric Brown missed the same session because of a hamstring problem.

Several other Jacksonville players, including Jourdan Lewis, Cole Van Lanen and Eric Murray, participated on a limited basis.

Houston also has concerns.

Running back David Montgomery, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, safety Jalen Pitre and offensive tackle Trent Brown did not practise on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Anderson and Jadeveon Clowney participated on a limited basis, although Anderson’s restriction was listed as rest rather than an injury.

The Texans’ official Week 6 injury report provides the practice participation details, but Wednesday’s absences should not be treated as confirmation that those players will miss the match.

Final availability decisions will become clearer closer to kick-off.

Jacksonville’s offensive line changes and Houston’s potential defensive absences could influence the tactical balance of the contest.

Recent meetings suggest another close encounter

Despite Jacksonville’s stronger start to 2026, recent meetings between these AFC South rivals have often been competitive.

The teams split their two regular-season encounters in 2025.

Jacksonville won the first meeting 17-10 before Houston responded with a dramatic 36-29 victory later in the campaign.

The Texans overturned a 19-point deficit in that second game, with quarterback Davis Mills scoring the decisive touchdown on a 14-yard run in the closing stages.

Each of the previous five meetings between the franchises has been decided by eight points or fewer.

That record offers useful context ahead of Sunday.

Jacksonville may have the stronger record, but Houston has recent experience of overcoming their divisional opponents.

The teams have also shared the last four AFC South championships.

Jacksonville won the division in 2022 and 2025, while Houston claimed the title in 2023 and 2024.

Sunday’s result will not settle the division, but it could have a meaningful influence on the standings.

A Jacksonville victory would strengthen their advantage over Houston. A Texans win would narrow the gap and offer further evidence that their poor start does not necessarily define their season.

NFL returns to Wembley for London series finale

Wembley hosts the third and final London game of the 2026 NFL regular-season schedule.

The series began with the Indianapolis Colts facing the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 4 October.

Jacksonville then met Philadelphia at the same venue on 11 October.

World in Sport previously examined the opening fixture in its Colts vs Commanders London preview.

Jacksonville’s latest appearance marks their second consecutive game in the capital.

The Jaguars have established a long-standing relationship with London since their first regular-season appearance at Wembley in 2013.

Sunday will be their 12th game at Wembley and their 16th NFL regular-season appearance in the United Kingdom.

Before this fixture, Jacksonville had an 8-7 overall record in UK games.

Houston have considerably less experience of international fixtures.

Their previous appearance in London came in November 2019, when they defeated Jacksonville 26-3 at Wembley.

That result remains a useful historical reference, although both franchises have changed considerably since then.

The Texans also played the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City in 2016, losing 27-20.

Sunday therefore marks Houston’s third international regular-season game and their second visit to Wembley.

Where to watch Texans vs Jaguars in the UK

The fixture takes place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with kick-off at 2.30 pm BST.

Jacksonville are the designated home team despite both sides playing outside the United States.

British viewers can watch the game live on Channel 5, with coverage beginning at 2 pm

Sky Sports NFL will also broadcast the match live from 2 pm, while NFL Game Pass on DAZN provides another viewing option.

The schedule lists the United States broadcast for NFL Network, with kick-off at 9.30 am Eastern Time.

Wembley Stadium will open its general admission gates at 12.30 pm, allowing supporters time to complete security checks before the match.

For those attending their first NFL fixture, World in Sport’s NFL rules explained guide covers downs, scoring, penalties, possession and the main rules that shape a game.

What could decide the game?

The battle between Houston’s defensive front and Jacksonville’s reshuffled offensive line stands out as a decisive tactical issue.

If Anderson and Hunter can consistently pressure Lawrence, the Jaguars may struggle to maintain the attacking rhythm that has helped them win four of their opening five matches.

However, Jacksonville’s rushing defence could present equally significant problems for Houston.

Stroud will need reliable protection, particularly if the Texans cannot establish their ground game.

Penalties and turnovers could also prove important.

Jacksonville’s victory over Philadelphia demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, but another undisciplined performance could allow Houston to take advantage.

The Texans, meanwhile, need to show that their improvement against Tennessee can continue against a divisional leader.

Houston’s 1-4 record leaves limited room for further setbacks, while Jacksonville have an opportunity to extend their advantage before entering their Week 7 bye.

With both teams familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, Wembley provides the setting for a divisional meeting where the contest at the line of scrimmage may matter more than the difference in their records.