Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season kicks off with an AFC battle between the 6-2 Houston Texans and 2-6 New York Jets.
The Texans are coming off a brutal week as they lost star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a season-ending torn ACL. Without Diggs, and with Nico Collins still on injured reserve, the Texans will need some of their younger receivers to step up.
Read more: 3 Wide Receivers the Texans Should Target With Stefon Diggs Out for the Season
As for the Jets, they’re coming off an embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots, and are seemingly entering must-win territory at the season’s halfway point.
Will the Jets get the much-needed home victory, or will the depleted Houston squad get another win on the road. The staff at Newsweek Sports has their predictions.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: Defensive Lineman Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets has a Sack of Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans in the game in the rain between the Houston Texans vs the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Stroud and the Texans are taking on the Jets.
Al Pereira/Getty Images
Noah Camras: The Jets are somehow favored against a significantly better Texans team that has dreams of a Super Bowl. Yes, the Texans are depleted, but C.J. Stroud is the superior quarterback, and he’ll lead his team to a 7-2 record with a massive road win.
Prediction: Texans 31, Jets 26
Matt Levine: Everyone is betting against the Jets in this one but I’m going the opposite route. I think New York will shock the NFL world and grab the massive upset win. Aaron Rodgers finally throws over 300 yards for the first time all season and the Jets get the late-game victory.
Prediction: Jets 30, Texans 27
James Brizuela: The Jets might be at home, but they are not clicking in terms of the offensive prowess that the team was predicted to have. Aaron Rodgers appears to be suffering from some ailments, and Allen Lazard was just placed on IR. The defense is good, but they might not be able to shut down C.J. Stroud and the Texans for long in this TNF matchup. Houston is just too good right now, even if they also lost Stefon Diggs for the year.
Prediction: Texans 28, Jets 17
Jeremy Hanna: Aaron Rodgers and the Jets really need a win tonight if they plan to contend for the playoffs at all. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen since their opponent is C.J. Stroud and the Texans. Even without star wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, the Texans should win this no problem.
Prediction: Texans 24, Jets, 13
How to Watch Texans vs Jets on Thursday Night Football
Texans vs. Jets kicks off at 5:15 p.m. PT/8:15 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video
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