The New York Jets will face the Houston Texans in their upcoming Week 9 matchup.
Even with it being an AFC clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.
Here are three key matchups to watch during Jets (2-6) versus the Texans (6-2):
CB Sauce Gardner vs. WR Robert Woods
The Texans offense will now be without their top-two wideouts against the Jets. Nico Collins (hamstring) was already on injured reserve and now Stefon Diggs (ACL) joined him there this week.
Woods will be a player tasked with stepping up and his best days are well behind him. Even though New York’s secondary has struggled as of late, Gardner included, this is a matchup he needs to win and potentially cause some turnovers from it.
DT Quinnen Williams vs. OL Juice Scruggs
With those wide receiver injuries in mind, it would not be surprising to see Houston running the ball a bit more now. That puts an emphasis on running back Joe Mixon.
In the middle of the Jets’ defensive line is Williams. He’s coming off a strong outing last week and if he beats up on Scruggs and whoever else likely double teams him, it could cause havoc for the Texans offense. According to Pro Football Focus‘ metrics, Scruggs ranks as a middle of the pack center in 2024. His 64.6 overall mark is the 17th best in the NFL.
OL Tyron Smith vs. DE Will Anderson Jr.
The mobility of Aaron Rodgers has been under a spotlight this season. The Jets quarterback can’t move like he once could so he needs time to work in the pocket.
Anderson leads the Texans with 7.5 sacks so far this season. Smith will be tasked with protecting Rodgers’ blindside once again and his 71.2 overall grade from PFF is a solid number through eight games. Smith needs to keep up the good work. .
