Texans Have a Chance to Build Real Momentum With Win Over Jaguars

The Houston Texans finally have something to build on after earning their first win of the season against the Tennessee Titans.

However, if they can carry that momentum into Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, they could change the trajectory of their season.

At 1-4, the Texans still have plenty of ground to make up after a disappointing start. A win over the 4-1 Jaguars would give Houston an opportunity to prove that their performance against Tennessee was the beginning of a turnaround rather than a win against a bad team.

The challenge will be significantly tougher against Jacksonville. The Jaguars enter the matchup with momentum following a walk-off win against the Philadelphia Eagles, and now have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the AFC South.

Houston, on the other hand, needs to start stringing together victories if they hope to remain competitive in the division.

Houston's victory over Tennessee offered reasons for optimism on both sides of the ball. C.J. Stroud looked sharp once again and the offense avoided turnovers, while DeMeco Ryans' latest defensive decision looks to have paid off.

Ryans took over defensive play-calling duties and watched his unit deliver one of its strongest performances of the season. Houston held Tennessee to 187 total yards, forced two turnovers and recorded multiple three-and-outs.

Replicating that performance against Jacksonville would provide a much stronger indication that Houston is moving in the right direction. The Texans can't afford to let their improved performance evaporate into thin air as soon as they face a tougher opponent.

A victory would give the Texans consecutive wins for the first time this season and provide some much-needed confidence with the bye week approaching in Week 8. It would also prevent Jacksonville from pulling further away in the division standings as Houston looks to march back into the race.

A loss would leave Houston at 1-5 and make the early-season struggles even more difficult to overcome.

Houston needs to show that their win over Tennessee was a sign of progress rather than a one-game performance. Consistency has been a major issue, and Sunday's matchup gives the Texans a chance to prove they can compete against a winning team.

A promising outing against Jacksonville would give Houston more than another mark in the win column. It would prove the Texans can compete in the AFC South and give the team confidence throughout the remainder of the season.