Matchups to watch

*Jaguars OTs Kelvin Beachum and Jermey Parnell versus Clowney and Mercilus. Beachum has pass-protected well this season, and while Parnell struggled at times with Kansas City defensive end Dee Ford, he overall has been solid in protection. Clowney will face both Beachum and Parnell because he lines up on either side. Mercilus more often rushes from the right side, meaning he likely will face Beachum more often than not.

*Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey versus Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins.Ramsey has shadowed elite receivers Amari Cooper of Oakland and Alshon Jeffery of Chicago in the last month and could draw Hopkins Sunday. While Hopkins emerged as an elite receiver last season with 111 receptions for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns, he has 40 receptions for 434 yards and three touchdowns this season.

*Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny versus Miller.Posluszny isn't the only Jaguars defender responsible for stopping the run, but this figures to be a key matchup. With Osweiler struggling, Miller has been a key to the Texans' offense. When the Jaguars have been good defensively this season, they have been strong against the run – and they held the Chiefs to 62 yards on 22 carries Sunday.

Jaguars to watch

*Blake Bortles, quarterback.Bortles' up-and-down season continued Sunday. He threw two touchdown passes with an interception, and while he improved in Hackett's first game as coordinator, he also had multiple near-miss interceptions and missed opportunities for big plays. How he continues to adapt to Hackett's system remains the Jaguars' No. 1 storyline.

*Marqise Lee, wide receiver.If there was a first-half Jaguars offensive Most Valuable Player, Lee would get consideration. Lee caught four passes for 84 yards in Kansas City and is showing flashes of playmaking at all levels of the defense. It's hard to imagine Lee not continuing to get a larger role in the offense.