Jacksonville Jaguars vs Texans Match Player Stats
The jacksonville jaguars vs texans match player stats reveal an exciting AFC South contest in which the Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 on October 18, 2026. Houston secured a three-point victory after a strong offensive performance led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, while Trevor Lawrence delivered four passing touchdowns in a losing effort. Both quarterbacks threw for more than 300 yards, making this a closely contested game that featured explosive receiving plays, important defensive contributions, and several momentum swings.
Houston’s ability to turn its passing production into points proved decisive. C.J. Stroud completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Trevor Lawrence completed 24 of 41 attempts for 306 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Although Jacksonville scored more passing touchdowns, Houston produced a more efficient passing performance and added an important rushing touchdown.
The final score was Houston Texans 34, Jacksonville Jaguars 31. The difference came down to execution in key moments, with Houston doing enough on offense and defense to protect its narrow advantage.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Texans Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The October 18 meeting between Houston and Jacksonville delivered the type of high-scoring divisional contest that can have a major impact on an AFC South race. The Texans finished with 34 points, while the Jaguars scored 31.
Houston built its advantage through balanced offensive production. Its passing attack generated 312 yards, while the ground game added another 114. Jacksonville was also productive through the air, recording 306 passing yards, but its rushing attack finished with 106 yards and no rushing touchdowns.
Final Score and Team Records
| Game Information | Houston Texans | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Final score | 34 | 31 |
| Record before/at game in supplied data | 2-4 | 4-2 |
| Passing yards | 312 | 306 |
| Rushing yards | 114 | 106 |
| Total offensive yards | 426 | 412 |
| Passing touchdowns | 3 | 4 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 0 |
Game details and player statistics are based on the supplied ESPN box-score data. Records are reproduced as provided.
The overall yardage comparison shows how closely matched the teams were. Houston gained only 14 more total yards, but its rushing touchdown helped create the scoring difference.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Houston Texans | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| First | 7 | 0 |
| Second | 10 | 14 |
| Third | 14 | 7 |
| Fourth | 3 | 10 |
| Total | 34 | 31 |
Houston started the game with a seven-point lead and extended its advantage in the second quarter. Jacksonville responded with 14 points before halftime, showing that it could recover from a slow opening.
The third quarter became another important period for Houston. The Texans scored 14 points, compared with Jacksonville’s seven, restoring their advantage. The Jaguars added 10 points in the fourth quarter, but their late scoring effort was not enough to complete the comeback.
This scoring pattern highlights an important aspect of the contest: Houston repeatedly found ways to respond when Jacksonville threatened to take control.
C.J. Stroud vs Trevor Lawrence: Quarterback Stats
The quarterback comparison was one of the most interesting parts of the game. Both players passed for more than 300 yards, completed 24 passes, and threw one interception. However, their efficiency and touchdown production were different.
C.J. Stroud’s Passing Performance
Houston Texans quarterback: C.J. Stroud
| Passing Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 24 |
| Attempts | 34 |
| Completion percentage | 70.6% |
| Passing yards | 312 |
| Yards per attempt | 9.2 |
| Passing touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 0 |
| QBR | 96.7 |
| Passer rating | 116.3 |
C.J. Stroud delivered an efficient performance that helped Houston control the offensive side of the game. His 24 completions on 34 attempts produced a completion rate of approximately 70.6%.
His 312 passing yards were the highest individual passing total in the contest. More importantly, he averaged 9.2 yards per attempt, showing that Houston was able to generate meaningful gains without depending entirely on short passes.
Three touchdown passes also made a major contribution to the Texans’ scoring total. Stroud’s 116.3 passer rating reflected his strong overall production.
One interception prevented the performance from being completely mistake-free. However, the absence of sacks in the supplied box score is another positive detail. Houston’s offensive protection allowed Stroud to operate without recording a sack.
What made Stroud effective?
- He completed a high percentage of his attempts.
- He averaged more than nine yards per pass attempt.
- He produced three touchdown passes.
- He avoided taking a recorded sack.
- He helped Houston maintain offensive balance.
His performance was particularly important because Jacksonville’s quarterback also produced a strong statistical outing.
Trevor Lawrence’s Passing Performance
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback: Trevor Lawrence
| Passing Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 24 |
| Attempts | 41 |
| Completion percentage | 58.5% |
| Passing yards | 306 |
| Yards per attempt | 7.5 |
| Passing touchdowns | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 0 |
| QBR | 68.5 |
| Passer rating | 104.3 |
Trevor Lawrence produced 306 passing yards and four touchdown passes. His touchdown total was one higher than Stroud’s, demonstrating his ability to finish passing opportunities.
However, Lawrence needed seven additional attempts to complete the same number of passes as Stroud. His completion percentage was approximately 58.5%, compared with Stroud’s 70.6%.
The difference in yards per attempt also matters. Lawrence averaged 7.5 yards per attempt, while Stroud averaged 9.2. This suggests that Houston generated more passing yardage per opportunity.
Lawrence’s four touchdown passes kept Jacksonville competitive throughout the game. His single interception was an important negative, but his overall passing production remained impressive.
Quarterback Comparison
| Statistic | C.J. Stroud | Trevor Lawrence |
| Completions | 24 | 24 |
| Attempts | 34 | 41 |
| Completion percentage | 70.6% | 58.5% |
| Passing yards | 312 | 306 |
| Yards per attempt | 9.2 | 7.5 |
| Touchdowns | 3 | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Passer rating | 116.3 | 104.3 |
| QBR | 96.7 | 68.5 |
The comparison shows two different approaches to quarterback production. Lawrence recorded more touchdown passes, but Stroud was more efficient with his opportunities.
Stroud’s higher completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating, and QBR give him the statistical advantage in this matchup.
That does not mean Lawrence played poorly. His four touchdown passes were a major reason Jacksonville remained within three points.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats
Houston did not rely exclusively on Stroud’s passing ability. The Texans also generated 114 rushing yards on 25 attempts, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Although the ground game did not produce a large individual rushing total, its contribution helped Houston maintain offensive balance and create additional opportunities for its passing attack.
Woody Marks Leads Houston’s Rushing Attack
Woody Marks was Houston’s leading rusher with 15 carries for 56 yards. He averaged 3.7 yards per attempt and did not record a rushing touchdown.
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD |
| Woody Marks | 15 | 56 | 3.7 | 0 |
| Jawhar Jordan | 6 | 43 | 7.2 | 1 |
| Nico Collins | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| C.J. Stroud | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Cade Stover | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| Team Total | 25 | 114 | 4.6 | 1 |
Marks handled the largest share of Houston’s rushing workload. His 15 attempts provided a consistent option for the offense and helped prevent Jacksonville from focusing entirely on the passing game.
Jawhar Jordan was particularly productive on a per-carry basis. He gained 43 yards on just six attempts, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He also scored one rushing touchdown.
That touchdown was an important contribution because it gave Houston another way to reach the end zone beyond Stroud’s passing production.
Jawhar Jordan Provides an Important Scoring Option
Jordan’s performance deserves attention because his six carries generated a significant amount of yardage.
His 43 rushing yards represented nearly 38% of Houston’s total rushing production. He also averaged 7.2 yards per attempt, the best figure among the Texans’ listed rushers.
This shows why a running back’s value cannot always be measured by total carries. A player who receives fewer opportunities can still influence the game through explosive gains and scoring plays.
Marks supplied the volume, while Jordan delivered efficiency and a touchdown.
Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Stats
Jacksonville finished with 106 rushing yards on 27 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
The Jaguars had two players with more than 35 rushing yards, but neither recorded a rushing touchdown. That became an important difference between the two offenses.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Leads the Jaguars
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led Jacksonville with 55 rushing yards on 11 attempts. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry and finished without a touchdown.
Bhayshul Tuten received 12 carries and gained 39 yards. Trevor Lawrence added 11 rushing yards on three attempts.
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 11 | 55 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Bhayshul Tuten | 12 | 39 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Trevor Lawrence | 3 | 11 | 3.7 | 0 |
| LeQuint Allen Jr. | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 27 | 106 | 3.9 | 0 |
Rodriguez was Jacksonville’s most effective conventional rushing option. His five-yard average demonstrated that he could gain useful yardage without needing a large number of attempts.
Tuten received one more carry than Rodriguez but finished with 16 fewer rushing yards. His contribution was more noticeable in the receiving game, where he recorded two touchdowns.
Lawrence’s 11 rushing yards also provided some additional mobility. However, Jacksonville’s rushing attack did not produce a touchdown.
Houston vs Jacksonville Rushing Comparison
| Category | Houston | Jacksonville |
| Rushing attempts | 25 | 27 |
| Rushing yards | 114 | 106 |
| Yards per carry | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
Houston gained eight more rushing yards despite attempting two fewer carries.
The difference in average yards per attempt was also meaningful. The Texans averaged 4.6 yards, compared with Jacksonville’s 3.9.
This advantage helped Houston maintain a balanced offense. It also reduced the pressure on Stroud to generate every scoring opportunity through the air.
Houston Texans Receiving Stats
Houston’s receiving group produced 312 yards and three touchdowns on 24 receptions.
Jaylin Noel led the Texans in receiving yardage with 107 yards. His performance included a touchdown reception and a 50-yard long catch.
Nico Collins also delivered an explosive contribution, finishing with 74 yards on three receptions.
Jaylin Noel Leads Houston’s Receivers
| Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Jaylin Noel | 4 | 107 | 26.8 | 1 | 50 |
| Nico Collins | 3 | 74 | 24.7 | 0 | 42 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 3 | 34 | 11.3 | 0 | 14 |
| Dalton Schultz | 4 | 33 | 8.3 | 0 | 16 |
| Woody Marks | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 | 19 |
| Kayshon Boutte | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 10 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 |
| Foster Moreau | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 2 | 6 |
| Jawhar Jordan | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 |
| Brevin Jordan | 1 | -1 | -1.0 | 0 | Not listed |
| Team Total | 24 | 312 | 13.0 | 3 |
Noel was Houston’s most productive receiver in terms of yardage. His 107 yards accounted for approximately 34.3% of the team’s passing total.
His 26.8 yards per reception indicate that Houston was successful in creating opportunities for significant downfield gains.
The 50-yard reception was particularly valuable because explosive plays can quickly change field position and put pressure on the opposing defense.
Nico Collins Adds Another Downfield Threat
Collins finished with three receptions for 74 yards. His average of 24.7 yards per catch was almost as high as Noel’s.
His longest reception covered 42 yards, providing another example of Houston’s ability to stretch Jacksonville’s defensive coverage.
The combined production of Noel and Collins was especially important:
- Total receptions: 7
- Combined receiving yards: 181
- Combined receiving touchdowns: 1
- Combined average: approximately 25.9 yards per reception
Together, they accounted for more than half of Houston’s passing yardage.
This type of production makes an offense difficult to defend because opposing teams cannot concentrate exclusively on short routes or the running game.
Foster Moreau Contributes Two Touchdowns
Foster Moreau recorded two receptions for seven yards and two touchdowns.
His statistics demonstrate the difference between yardage production and scoring production. Although his receiving total was modest, both of his recorded receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Touchdown receptions in the red zone can be particularly valuable because offenses have less space to work with and defenses can use tighter coverage.
Moreau’s two scoring catches gave Houston an important finishing option near the end zone.
Dalton Schultz also contributed four receptions for 33 yards, while Woody Marks added two catches for 25 yards.
The receiving group provided Stroud with several different options rather than depending on one player.
Jacksonville Jaguars Receiving Stats
Jacksonville’s receivers combined for 306 yards and four touchdowns on 24 receptions.
Jakobi Meyers led the team in receiving yards with 83. Parker Washington contributed 64 yards, while Travis Hunter recorded 59 yards and one touchdown.
Bhayshul Tuten was also an important receiving threat, producing 48 yards and two touchdowns.
Jakobi Meyers Leads Jacksonville’s Passing Attack
| Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Jakobi Meyers | 5 | 83 | 16.6 | 0 | 28 |
| Parker Washington | 4 | 64 | 16.0 | 0 | 27 |
| Travis Hunter | 4 | 59 | 14.8 | 1 | 26 |
| Bhayshul Tuten | 4 | 48 | 12.0 | 2 | 27 |
| Brenton Strange | 5 | 44 | 8.8 | 0 | 24 |
| Nate Boerkircher | 2 | 8 | 4.0 | 1 | 7 |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | Not listed |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | Not listed |
| Team Total | 24 | 306 | 12.8 | 4 |
Meyers provided Jacksonville with its highest receiving yardage total. His five receptions for 83 yards represented a consistent contribution throughout the passing game.
His 16.6 yards per catch showed that he was not limited to short, low-impact receptions.
Parker Washington also had a productive outing. He recorded four receptions for 64 yards, averaging 16 yards per catch.
The two receivers combined for 147 yards, accounting for approximately 48% of Jacksonville’s total passing yardage.
Travis Hunter Delivers a Touchdown Reception
Travis Hunter finished with four catches for 59 yards and one touchdown.
His 14.8-yard average showed that Jacksonville was able to use him for meaningful gains rather than relying exclusively on short receptions.
Hunter’s touchdown added to Lawrence’s passing production and helped the Jaguars maintain pressure on Houston.
His contribution also demonstrates the importance of having multiple receivers capable of finishing scoring opportunities.
Bhayshul Tuten’s Two Receiving Touchdowns
Tuten was one of Jacksonville’s most important offensive contributors.
He recorded:
- Four receptions
- 48 receiving yards
- 12.0 yards per reception
- Two receiving touchdowns
- 27-yard longest reception
His two touchdown receptions were particularly significant because they made him a major part of Jacksonville’s scoring production.
Tuten’s dual-threat role was also interesting. He recorded 39 rushing yards and 48 receiving yards, giving him 87 combined yards from scrimmage.
Although he did not score on the ground, his receiving production made him one of the Jaguars’ most productive offensive players.
Brenton Strange Provides Reliable Receiving Support
Strange recorded five receptions for 44 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per catch.
His five receptions tied Meyers for the highest reception total among Jacksonville’s listed receivers.
Nate Boerkircher added two receptions for eight yards and one touchdown. His touchdown demonstrates that even a low-yardage reception can have significant value when it comes at an important scoring moment.
Houston vs Jacksonville Receiving Comparison
| Receiving Category | Houston | Jacksonville |
| Receptions | 24 | 24 |
| Receiving yards | 312 | 306 |
| Average yards per catch | 13.0 | 12.8 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 3 | 4 |
| Leading receiver | Jaylin Noel | Jakobi Meyers |
| Leading receiving yards | 107 | 83 |
Houston had a slight advantage in total receiving yardage and average yards per catch.
Jacksonville, however, produced one additional receiving touchdown.
The difference between the two groups illustrates why touchdowns and yardage should be evaluated separately. Houston generated more passing yards, while Jacksonville converted more of its listed receiving production into touchdowns.
Defensive Player Stats: Texans vs Jaguars
The defensive performance was another important part of this high-scoring contest.
Houston recorded 67 total tackles, 37 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, eight passes defended, and three quarterback hits.
Jacksonville finished with 65 total tackles, 33 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, four passes defended, and two quarterback hits.
Neither team recorded a fumble in the supplied statistics.
Houston Texans Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Additional Stats |
| Kamari Lassiter | 8 | 6 | 1 pass defended |
| Azeez Al-Shaair | 7 | 2 | 1 pass defended, 2 QB hits |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | 6 | 5 | 1 pass defended |
| Tommy Togiai | 6 | 3 | None listed |
| Henry To’oTo’o | 6 | 3 | 1 TFL, 1 pass defended |
| Reed Blankenship | 5 | 3 | None listed |
| Calen Bullock | 5 | 3 | 2 passes defended, 1 interception |
Kamari Lassiter led Houston with eight total tackles and six solo tackles.
His performance demonstrated consistent involvement in defensive plays. His additional pass breakup also contributed to Houston’s coverage production.
Azeez Al-Shaair recorded seven tackles, one pass defended, and two quarterback hits. His ability to contribute both against the run and in pass coverage gave Houston another valuable defensive presence.
Derek Stingley Jr. added six tackles and five solo tackles.
Henry To’oTo’o recorded six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended.
Calen Bullock’s Important Interception
Calen Bullock recorded five tackles, three solo tackles, two passes defended, and one interception.
An interception can have a major effect on a close divisional game because it stops an opposing possession and provides the offense with an opportunity to respond.
Bullock’s contribution was particularly valuable in a contest decided by only three points.
His two passes defended also demonstrate that his defensive impact extended beyond the interception itself.
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Additional Stats |
| Foyesade Oluokun | 8 | 4 | None listed |
| Kaevon Merriweather | 7 | 4 | None listed |
| Antonio Johnson | 6 | 5 | 1 TFL |
| Jarrian Jones | 6 | 4 | 1 pass defended |
| Ventrell Miller | 6 | 1 | 1 pass defended, 1 QB hit |
| Branson Combs | 5 | 3 | None listed |
| Travis Hunter | Not specified | Not specified | 1 interception |
Foyesade Oluokun led Jacksonville with eight tackles. His contribution was important in a game where Houston produced 426 total offensive yards.
Kaevon Merriweather added seven tackles, while Antonio Johnson recorded six tackles and one tackle for loss.
Jarrian Jones also contributed six tackles and one pass defended.
Ventrell Miller finished with six tackles, one pass defended, and one quarterback hit.
These players helped Jacksonville remain competitive, even as Houston generated consistent offensive production.
Travis Hunter Records an Interception
Travis Hunter contributed on both sides of the ball according to the supplied statistics.
On offense, he recorded four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, he added one interception with no return yards and no interception touchdown.
That combination makes his performance particularly noteworthy.
An interception can change field position and prevent an opponent from extending a scoring drive. Even without a return, it represents an important defensive contribution.
Team Defensive Comparison
| Defensive Category | Houston | Jacksonville |
| Total tackles | 67 | 65 |
| Solo tackles | 37 | 33 |
| Tackles for loss | 1 | 1 |
| Passes defended | 8 | 4 |
| Quarterback hits | 3 | 2 |
| Recorded interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 0 |
Houston recorded four more passes defended and one additional quarterback hit.
The difference suggests that the Texans were slightly more disruptive in coverage and around the pocket, although neither defense managed to record a sack.
In a game where both quarterbacks exceeded 300 passing yards, those defensive contributions were important.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams can have a major influence on close NFL games. Field position, return yardage, field goals, and extra points all contribute to the final result.
Houston and Jacksonville both received useful contributions from their kickers and return units.
Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Kicking Stats
Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn converted both of his field-goal attempts and all four extra-point attempts.
| Kicking Statistic | Performance |
| Field goals made | 2 |
| Field goals attempted | 2 |
| Field-goal percentage | 100% |
| Longest field goal | 49 yards |
| Extra points made | 4 |
| Extra points attempted | 4 |
| Total kicking points | 10 |
Fairbairn scored 10 points through his kicking contributions. His perfect field-goal record meant Houston did not leave any of its recorded field-goal opportunities unfinished.
His longest successful field goal covered 49 yards, demonstrating that Houston had a reliable option from distance.
Cam Little’s Kicking Stats
Jacksonville’s Cam Little also completed every recorded kicking attempt.
| Kicking Statistic | Performance |
| Field goals made | 1 |
| Field goals attempted | 1 |
| Field-goal percentage | 100% |
| Longest field goal | 60 yards |
| Extra points made | 4 |
| Extra points attempted | 4 |
| Total kicking points | 7 |
Little converted a 60-yard field goal, an impressive long-distance contribution.
His perfect field-goal and extra-point records helped Jacksonville remain within reach of Houston.
The comparison shows that both kickers were accurate. Fairbairn produced three more total points because Houston recorded two field goals compared with Jacksonville’s one.
Punting Performance
| Punter | Team | Punts | Total Yards | Average | Longest Punt |
| Kai Kroeger | Houston | 3 | 148 | 49.3 | 53 |
| Logan Cooke | Jacksonville | 2 | 95 | 47.5 | 59 |
Kroeger averaged 49.3 yards per punt, slightly higher than Cooke’s 47.5-yard average.
Cooke recorded the longest individual punt at 59 yards, compared with Kroeger’s longest of 53 yards.
Neither punter recorded a touchback in the supplied statistics.
These numbers show that both teams received useful field-position support when their offensive possessions ended without a score.
Kick Return Statistics
| Player | Team | Returns | Return Yards | Average | Longest |
| Jaylin Noel | Houston | 2 | 65 | 32.5 | 36 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | Houston | 2 | 52 | 26.0 | 29 |
| Ameer Abdullah | Jacksonville | 4 | 118 | 29.5 | 35 |
| Josh Cameron | Jacksonville | 1 | 46 | 46.0 | 46 |
Jacksonville generated 164 kick-return yards on five returns, averaging 32.8 yards per attempt.
Houston recorded 117 yards on four returns, averaging 29.3 yards.
Josh Cameron produced the longest listed return with 46 yards on one attempt. Noel also contributed 65 return yards for Houston.
Jacksonville therefore held the advantage in overall kick-return yardage and average return distance.
Punt Return Statistics
| Player | Team | Returns | Return Yards | Average |
| Jaylin Noel | Houston | 1 | 2 | 2.0 |
| Parker Washington | Jacksonville | 1 | 7 | 7.0 |
Punt returns were limited in this contest. Washington gained seven yards, while Noel recorded two.
These were relatively small contributions compared with the teams’ passing and kick-return production.
Why the Houston Texans Won 34-31
Houston’s three-point victory came from a combination of passing efficiency, rushing balance, and defensive contributions.
Jacksonville had an impressive passing performance, but Houston managed to gain slightly more yardage while converting its opportunities into a winning score.
Several factors explain the result.
1. Stroud Was More Efficient as a Passer
The biggest statistical advantage for Houston came from quarterback efficiency.
Stroud completed 70.6% of his attempts, while Lawrence completed approximately 58.5%.
Both quarterbacks threw for more than 300 yards, but Stroud needed seven fewer attempts to reach a slightly higher passing total.
His 9.2 yards per attempt compared with Lawrence’s 7.5 also indicates that Houston generated more yardage from each passing opportunity.
This efficiency helped the Texans move the ball without requiring as many attempts.
2. Houston Had a More Productive Rushing Attack
Houston gained 114 rushing yards, while Jacksonville finished with 106.
The difference was not enormous, but the Texans were more efficient per attempt.
Houston averaged 4.6 yards per carry, compared with Jacksonville’s 3.9.
The Texans also recorded one rushing touchdown through Jawhar Jordan.
Jacksonville did not score a rushing touchdown, making Houston’s ground-game contribution particularly valuable.
3. Jaylin Noel Created Explosive Plays
Noel’s 107 receiving yards gave Houston a major downfield threat.
His 50-yard longest reception was an important part of the Texans’ passing production.
Nico Collins added another 74 yards, meaning Houston had two receivers who each exceeded 70 yards.
This gave Stroud multiple options capable of creating large gains.
Jacksonville’s defense had to account for both players, making it harder to concentrate its coverage on one receiver.
4. Houston Defended More Passing Opportunities
Houston recorded eight passes defended, compared with Jacksonville’s four.
Calen Bullock also registered an interception, while Kamari Lassiter and other defenders contributed to the coverage effort.
These plays helped limit Jacksonville despite Lawrence’s four touchdown passes.
Houston did not record a sack, so the defensive advantage came more from coverage disruption and tackles than from pressure resulting in sacks.
5. Houston Benefited From Its Overall Scoring Balance
The Texans scored three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
They also added two field goals.
Jacksonville recorded four passing touchdowns and one field goal.
This distinction is important because Houston had multiple ways to generate points.
Its rushing touchdown gave the offense an additional scoring route, while Fairbairn converted both field-goal attempts.
That balanced scoring production helped Houston finish with 34 points.
Three Major Turning Points in the Game
A close final score often hides several smaller developments that shape the result. The supplied quarter-by-quarter scoring and player statistics highlight three important phases.
Houston’s Strong Opening
Houston scored seven points in the first quarter, while Jacksonville failed to score.
This early advantage gave the Texans a foundation for the rest of the contest.
A first-quarter lead can influence how an opposing offense approaches the game. Jacksonville had to respond rather than simply follow its preferred offensive rhythm.
Jacksonville’s Second-Quarter Response
The Jaguars scored 14 points in the second quarter, compared with Houston’s 10.
This was a significant response after their scoreless opening period.
Lawrence’s passing production helped Jacksonville become more competitive, and the team entered the next phase of the contest with momentum from its improved scoring output.
Houston’s Third-Quarter Advantage
Houston scored 14 points in the third quarter, while Jacksonville managed seven.
This gave the Texans another important scoring advantage.
Jacksonville did not stop competing, adding 10 points in the final quarter, but Houston’s third-quarter production proved important in protecting the eventual three-point victory.
The final quarter also demonstrates why a lead is never entirely safe in a divisional contest. Jacksonville continued to score, but Houston did enough to finish ahead.
Statistical Categories That Decided the Contest
Looking beyond the final score provides a clearer explanation of the matchup.
| Key Category | Advantage | Difference |
| Passing yards | Houston | 6 yards |
| Rushing yards | Houston | 8 yards |
| Total offensive yards | Houston | 14 yards |
| Passing touchdowns | Jacksonville | 1 touchdown |
| Rushing touchdowns | Houston | 1 touchdown |
| Receptions | Tie | 24 each |
| Receiving yards | Houston | 6 yards |
| Yards per attempt | Houston | 1.7 |
| Total tackles | Houston | 2 |
| Passes defended | Houston | 4 |
| Kick-return yards | Jacksonville | 47 yards |
| Field goals made | Houston | 1 |
The table illustrates how closely matched the teams were.
Houston’s advantage was not based on a huge difference in total yardage. Instead, the Texans held small advantages in several important offensive and defensive categories.
Jacksonville had its own strengths, including more passing touchdowns and more kick-return yardage.
However, Houston’s greater passing efficiency and its rushing touchdown helped create the difference in the final result.
What the Player Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
The individual performances provide useful information about the offensive and defensive strengths of both teams.
What Houston Can Take From the Performance
Houston’s offensive production showed the value of combining an efficient quarterback with multiple receiving options.
Stroud’s performance was the foundation, but Noel and Collins provided the explosive receiving production that made the passing attack effective.
Marks handled the majority of the rushing workload, while Jordan offered an efficient complementary option.
The Texans also received valuable scoring contributions from Moreau and Fairbairn.
There are still areas that require attention. Stroud threw one interception, and the defense allowed Jacksonville to produce 31 points.
Houston’s eight passes defended were positive, but its inability to record a sack shows that the defense did not consistently finish its pressure opportunities with a takedown.
The main lesson is that Houston’s offensive balance was a major strength, while defensive consistency remained an important area to monitor.
What Jacksonville Can Take From the Performance
Jacksonville demonstrated that its passing attack could produce touchdowns against a competitive opponent.
Lawrence threw four touchdown passes, while Meyers, Washington, Hunter, and Tuten all contributed receiving yardage.
Tuten’s dual-threat production was especially useful because he contributed through both rushing and receiving.
The Jaguars also generated 164 kick-return yards, which was more than Houston’s total.
However, Jacksonville’s lower passing efficiency and lack of a rushing touchdown were important disadvantages.
The defense also recorded only four passes defended, half of Houston’s total.
Jacksonville’s performance suggests that its offensive potential was strong, but improving efficiency and creating more disruption defensively could make a difference in similar close games.
Head-to-Head Statistical Comparison
The following table brings together the most important individual performances from the game.
| Category | Houston Texans | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Leading quarterback | C.J. Stroud | Trevor Lawrence |
| Passing yards | 312 | 306 |
| Passing touchdowns | 3 | 4 |
| Leading rusher | Woody Marks | Chris Rodriguez Jr. |
| Rushing yards | 56 | 55 |
| Leading receiver | Jaylin Noel | Jakobi Meyers |
| Receiving yards | 107 | 83 |
| Defensive tackle leader | Kamari Lassiter | Foyesade Oluokun |
| Total tackles by leader | 8 | 8 |
| Interception leader | Calen Bullock | Travis Hunter |
| Kicker | Ka’imi Fairbairn | Cam Little |
| Kicking points | 10 | 7 |
| Final score | 34 | 31 |
This comparison identifies the players who led the major statistical categories.
One interesting detail is the difference between the leading rushing totals. Marks and Rodriguez finished with almost identical yardage, even though Houston had the higher overall team rushing total.
Another notable difference was receiving production. Noel gained 24 more yards than Meyers, giving Houston an important individual advantage in the passing game.
How to Read NFL Match Player Statistics Correctly
Understanding a box score requires more than identifying the players with the highest totals.
Different statistical categories measure different aspects of performance, and some numbers become more meaningful when compared with the team’s overall production.
Here are several useful ways to evaluate an NFL box score.
Passing Efficiency
Passing yards are important, but they do not tell the complete story.
Consider these quarterback statistics:
- Completion percentage measures how often a quarterback completes a pass.
- Yards per attempt shows how much passing yardage is generated per throw.
- Passing touchdowns measure scoring production through the air.
- Interceptions indicate turnovers created by the opposing defense.
- Passer rating provides a combined statistical assessment of passing performance.
In this matchup, Stroud had fewer attempts than Lawrence but produced more passing yards.
That makes yards per attempt particularly useful when comparing their performances.
Rushing Efficiency
Rushing attempts and rushing yards should always be considered together.
A running back with 50 yards on 10 attempts averages five yards per carry. Another player might gain 60 yards on 20 attempts but average only three yards per carry.
The second player has more total yardage, but the first player has been more efficient.
In this game, Rodriguez averaged five yards per carry, while Marks averaged 3.7.
However, Marks handled a larger workload and helped Houston produce more total rushing yards.
Receiving Production
Receiving statistics help explain how effectively an offense uses its passing options.
Important categories include:
- Receptions
- Receiving yards
- Yards per reception
- Receiving touchdowns
- Longest reception
Noel’s 107 yards were important, but his 26.8-yard average provided additional context.
It shows that he generated significant yardage from relatively few catches.
Defensive Production
Defensive statistics require a different approach.
Total tackles measure involvement, but they do not necessarily show how much a defender disrupted the offense.
Passes defended, interceptions, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits can provide a more complete picture.
Bullock’s interception, for example, was a different type of contribution from Lassiter’s eight tackles.
Both were valuable, but they affected the game in different ways.
For a reliable statistical comparison, readers should consult the ESPN NFL box score alongside the individual player totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Texans game on October 18, 2026?
The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31. Houston secured the three-point victory after a competitive four-quarter performance.
2. How many passing yards did C.J. Stroud record against Jacksonville?
C.J. Stroud recorded 312 passing yards on 24 completions from 34 attempts. He threw three touchdown passes and one interception, finishing with a 116.3 passer rating.
3. How many touchdowns did Trevor Lawrence throw?
Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdown passes against Houston. He completed 24 of 41 attempts for 306 yards and one interception.
4. Who was Houston’s leading receiver against the Jaguars?
Jaylin Noel led Houston with four receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception covered 50 yards.
5. Who led Jacksonville in rushing yards?
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the Jaguars with 55 rushing yards on 11 carries. He averaged five yards per attempt and did not record a rushing touchdown.
6. Which team had more total offensive yards?
Houston finished with 426 total offensive yards, while Jacksonville recorded 412. The Texans therefore gained 14 more yards during the contest.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars vs Texans matchup on October 18, 2026, delivered an entertaining 34-31 victory for Houston. Both teams produced more than 400 total offensive yards, and both quarterbacks passed for over 300 yards.
C.J. Stroud led Houston with 312 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 116.3 passer rating. Trevor Lawrence delivered four touchdown passes and 306 passing yards for Jacksonville. Jaylin Noel was Houston’s leading receiver, while Jakobi Meyers led the Jaguars in receiving yardage.
Houston also benefited from a more productive rushing attack, with 114 yards and one touchdown compared with Jacksonville’s 106 yards and no rushing touchdowns. Defensively, the Texans recorded more passes defended and slightly more quarterback hits.
Jacksonville produced a strong offensive performance and remained competitive until the final quarter. However, Houston’s greater passing efficiency, balanced scoring, and defensive contributions proved enough to secure the three-point win.
The individual statistics show that this was a closely contested game decided by several small advantages rather than one overwhelming statistical difference.
