Two struggling teams will go head-to-head in Week 12 as the Houston Texans host the New York Jets in an intriguing AFC matchup. Zach Wilson makes his much-anticipated return against a Texans side that is coming off a shock win over the Tennessee Titans. Who will record the much-needed win in this Jets vs Texans clash?
New York Jets installed as +2.5 underdogs
The New York Jets are making a quarterback change again for Week 12. Zach Wilson, the Jets' No. 2 pick in this year's draft, will be returning as the team's starter after missing the past four games with a sprained knee. Head coach Robert Saleh announced the decision on Wednesday, bringing the Mike White and Joe Flacco experiments to an end.
Speaking of those two backup quarterbacks, their status for the game against the Texans is uncertain after they were both placed on the COVID-19 list. White tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday while Flacco was deemed a close contact of his. With White and Flacco possibly sidelined, the Jets have decided to promote Josh Johnson from the practice squad to support Wilson.
All eyes will be on Wilson, who has struggled in his first year with the Jets. This season, he is just 1-5 as New York's starter with four touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Wilson is ranked 31st out of 33 qualified passers in the NFL in the QBR department with a low 27.0 rating.
The pressure is on Wilson to deliver, with the Jets currently on a three-game losing skid. The Jets' offense was firing when Wilson was sidelined, averaging 436 total yards in his missed four games.
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Houston Texans enter Week 12 as -2.5 favorites
The Houston Texans will head to their showdown against the New York Jets with momentum on their side after pulling off one of the biggest upsets this season in Week 11. The Texans stunned the AFC-leading Tennessee Titans, 22-13, on the road to snap their eight-game losing skid.
It was a remarkable result for the Texans, whose only win before this game came in Week 1. What made this victory even more impressive was that it came against a Titans team that was in the midst of a six-game winning streak.
Houston's defense stepped up big time in Week 11, forcing Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to throw a career-high four interceptions. That helped the Texans overcome the vast disparity in total yardage where the Titans enjoyed a 420-190 advantage.
Houston's offensive line also stood tall in this divisional matchup, holding Tennessee without a sack for the first time since Week 15 of the 2020 season. That was an incredible feat, given that the Titans came into this contest with 27 sacks.
The Texans will fancy their chances against the Jets as their opponents have poorly fared on the road this season. New York has lost each of its five away games this campaign.
Writer's Prediction
Houston wins and covers the spread.
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