Trevor Lawrence will throw 3 TDs and other predictions for Jaguars vs. Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars will most likely get Trevor Lawrence back against the Houston Texans in Week 13. If he does return, he'll give their offense a massive boost. Similarly, it will increase the morale of a team that hasn't had much going for it in 2024.

Following the humiliating loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 11, the Jags had their much-needed Bye. They took advantage of the time off to regroup and make tweaks to their approach after starting 2-9 this season. It will be interesting to see if those changes pay off when they face Houston. With that in mind, here are three predictions for the divisional bout.

During Lawrence's two-game absence, the offense scored a measly 13 points. Granted, the Jags weren't doing great before he got hurt, but the fourth-year quarterback was certainly playing much better than he did early in the season.

Lawrence will play through injury in Week 13. It's on his non-throwing shoulder, but he will still have to manage the pain. In the end, though, he'll make the most out of his return to the lineup and will throw three passing touchdowns against a secondary that will be without standout Jalen Pitre.

Brian Thomas Jr. will register his second 100-yard game of the season vs. the Texans

The biggest beneficiary of Trevor Lawrence will be without a doubt wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The former LSU Tiger has quickly established himself as a staple of the Jacksonville offense, giving it an element of verticality that had been missing for years.

Thomas was one of the few bright spots in the loss to the Detroit Lions, registering five catches for 82. The coaching staff must once again make him an important part of the game plan if they want to have a shot at pulling off the upset.

Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will probably shadow Thomas, but Lawrence won't be afraid to target the rookie wideout, which will in turn lead to his second 100-yard game of the season.

Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will register 3 sacks for the Jaguars

Travon Walker is leading the Jaguars with seven sacks, but Josh Hines-Allen isn't too far off with 5.5. Regardless of who's the better of the two, Jacksonville is surely thrilled to have two bookend pass rushers.

Granted, their sack numbers pale in comparison to other pass rushers in the league, but that shouldn't take anything away from either Walker or Hines-Allen. If anything, they should get a bit of praise for thriving despite the fact that the rest of the defense isn't doing great.

In Week 13, they'll take advantage of a depleted Texans offensive line and consistently bring the heat. That will result in Walker and Hines-Allen taking quarterback C.J. Stroud four times in the game.

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