Texans vs. Jaguars at Wembley 2026: Date, time, key storylines and matchups

The third and final game in the 2026 NFL schedule will mean back-to-back games in London for the Jacksonville Jaguars. At least they won't have to unpack.

Having faced the Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the week before, Jacksonville makes the short trip to Wembley for a Week 6 showdown with the Houston Texans.

In a game which could have serious implications in the battle for AFC South superiority, C.J. Stroud, David Montgomery and Nico Collins will go head-to-head with Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. under the Wembley arches.

Here's what to expect, how to watch, and when to tune in.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Kick-off time and venue

The game will be broadcast live on DAZN for NFL Game Pass subscribers.

In the US, the game will be broadcast on NFL Network and NFL+.

• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026 (Week 6)
• UK (BST): 2.30pm
• US (ET): 9.30am
• US (PT): 6.30am
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, UK

With a capacity of 90,000 (reduced to approximately 86,000 for NFL games), Wembley is the largest stadium in the UK and has hosted NFL games since 2007.

Jed Leicester - NFL/Pool/Getty Images

Texans vs. Jaguars: Key storylines

A rivalry with recent history

These two teams have traded the AFC South title back and forth for years. Since 2022, each has won it twice, with Jacksonville taking the most recent bragging rights in 2025.

Last season, the Jaguars and Texans split the series, then went their separate ways in January.

Jacksonville had the better regular-season record, but they succumbed to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, while Houston went one game further before falling to the Patriots in the Divisional game.

By the time this fixture rolls around in Week 6, the divisional table will have started to take shape. This game won't decide the AFC South winner, but make no mistake - it will carry serious weight.

Stroud's redemption arc?

After a dazzling rookie season in 2023, quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed, posting inferior numbers as each year goes by.

Things got seriously messy in the playoffs, where he became the first player in NFL history to post five interceptions and five fumbles in one postseason, and they came in just two games.

The backlash was strong, but Texans GM Nick Caserio shut down the possibility of considering trade offers, calling the idea "moronic."

Stroud knows what's at stake. Collins is elite; Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are ascending; and, with tight end Dalton Schultz and a new running back in David Montgomery, he has the weapons.

And with a rebuilt offensive line, there will be no more excuses if Stroud once again struggles to deliver when the going gets tough.

Lawrence building on his breakout

While Stroud was struggling, his division rival was flourishing. Lawrence's 2025 was the year Jaguars fans had been waiting for since he was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A franchise-record 38 total touchdowns is now the baseline for 2026, and if he comes close to repeating that feat, the doubters will fall silent.

Both coordinators are back, the same system remains in place, and Lawrence heads into his second year under head coach Liam Coen with real momentum.

Jacksonville: Can Coen do it again?

Coen became hot property in his debut season, turning a 4-13 horror story into a 13-4 record and a division title in 2025.

They started slowly, but caught fire down the stretch, going 9-1 after their Week 8 bye.

Megan Briggs / Stringer

They fell agonisingly short in a three-point Wild Card loss to the Bills, but that doesn't diminish what Coen and Co. built.

The challenge now is keeping the feel-good story rolling, with opponents having a full offseason of film on them.

If Coen inspires his side to victory in even one of their two difficult London games, that will be enough to help keep his reputation intact.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Key matchups

Montgomery vs. the Jags' run defense

Jacksonville's defense allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL last season, limiting teams to only 1,455 yards.

Houston invested in their running game earlier this year, trading with the Lions to acquire touchdown machine David Montgomery.

Montgomery is an upgrade over last year's starter, Woody Marks, and with a revamped offensive line opening holes, he should have a productive year.

However, if the Jags defense stifles the Texans' ground attack in this contest, Houston's offense will lose its balance, and the onus falls upon Stroud to get the job done.

Stroud, Collins and Higgins vs. Jacksonville's secondary

Collins is the Texans' most talented pass-catcher. He's a big, physical receiver who can go up against the best and still win.

Higgins had an impressive rookie year and is poised to take his game to another level in year two.

At cornerback, Jacksonville have a gifted trio in Travis Hunter, Montaric Brown and nickel defensive back Jourdan Lewis.

All three will need to be on top of their game if they are to contain Collins and Higgins and give their side a chance.

Houston's new OL vs. Jaguars' pass rush

The Texans' offensive line was a serious weak point last season, but they've invested significant capital in upgrading the unit in free agency.

DeMeco Ryans' group could go far in 2026 if the new line hits the ground running and gives Stroud the precious time he needs in the pocket.

With a combined 68 sacks in the last four years, Hines-Allen and Walker will provide a stern test at Wembley.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Series record

The Texans lead the all-time series 32-16-0, but their long-standing dominance over the Jaguars in the 2010s has been more evenly balanced since 2023.

In their last seven meetings, Houston has won four times and the Jaguars three.

A divisional contest between two sides with realistic postseason ambitions in front of a packed Wembley crowd is the recipe for what should be an exciting game.