The Jacksonville Jaguars have cemented their status as among the best teams in the NFL after a Week 5 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jaguars are now 4-1 and sitting comfortably on top of the AFC South, and are considered by some analysts to be Super Bowl contenders.
Of course, it's still early in the season, and Jacksonville will be taking on the Houston Texans next. While the Texans have been struggling and only snagged their first win over the winless Tennessee Titans last week, they are still a legitimate threat, particularly on defense. While Houston's defense isn't quite as dominant as it was in 2025, head coach DeMeco Ryans' team was able to bounce back in Week 5, signaling that this game isn't one the Jaguars should take lightly.
Here are five storylines to watch.
How will the Jaguars handle Marvin Harrison Jr.?
Marvin Harrison Jr. could be making his Texans' debut against the Jaguars. He also already has chemistry with C.J. Stroud from their time together at Ohio State, which could shorten the adjustment period considerably. That changes the Houston receiving corps, which already has Nico Collins. Even if Harrison has a limited package after only a few practices, Jacksonville now has another potentially dangerous receiver to contend with.
This is all the more relevant for the Jaguars defense. While Jacksonville still boasts one of the best defensive units in the league, giving up explosive passes is an ongoing weak spot, and Harrison was known for making explosive plays in college.
Jacksonville’s protection problems meet a dangerous Texans pass rush
The Jaguars have already seen ongoing struggles with their offensive line, and the loss of Anton Harrison won't make it any better. This week's game will be another test. Jacksonville survived Jalen Carter’s two strip-sacks in Week 5, and protection has been uneven since Cincinnati. Now they get Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter immediately afterward.
Can Jacksonville clean up the offensive line issues before they finally cost them a game?
Can the Jaguars keep rolling against a defense that may be finding its footing?
The Texans opened 0-4 with a defense that had badly underperformed expectations, enough that DeMeco Ryans took over defensive play-calling last week. And it paid off; Houston absolutely suffocated Tennessee, allowing 187 total yards, 3.2 yards per play, two takeaways, and only three points. Will Anderson Jr. had three sacks, while Danielle Hunter generated seven pressures.
Of course, the Titans are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Jacksonville is a much better test. Parker Washington is still playing like an elite wide receiver, Trevor Lawrence had a 300-yard game against the Eagles, and Bhayshul Tuten has solidified his status as RB1 with strong games every week. Will the offense still be able to play at a high level if the Texans' defense has truly returned to 2025 form?
A chance to bury Houston early in the AFC South race
Jacksonville is 4-1 and atop the division, while Houston is 1-4. This is also Jacksonville’s first AFC South game of the season.
It's early, but a Jaguars win would create an enormous early gap between the defending division champion and the Texans. A Houston win, however, makes the division considerably more interesting. Jacksonville could go from the assumed AFC South champions to still having to fight into the playoffs the rest of the season. So despite the records, this is a pretty consequential October game.
Can Jacksonville redeem last year's collapse?
Jacksonville led Houston by 19 points entering the fourth quarter last November, and still somehow lost 36-29. It was the largest blown lead in Jaguars franchise history — and, interestingly, it was also Jacksonville’s last regular-season loss before the team went on its huge run.
The Texans were able to score 26 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and there's no doubt they'll be looking to do the same this year. Can the Jaguars avenge that loss this week?
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 5 storylines to watch in Jaguars vs. Texans in Week 6
