Texans: Nico Collins and other players to watch in Week 5 vs. Jaguars

Week 5 is here, and the Houston Texans face a division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans are in a must-win this week because if they don’t win they can kiss any hopes of the playoffs goodbye.

The Texans must establish the run early, improve their run defense, and get the ball to other receivers to have a chance to defeat the host Jaguars this Sunday.

Here are three players that may step up that we need to watch that make a difference in Week 5 five against the Jaguars.

Dameon Pierce, RB

Texans fans are thanking their lucky stars that the organization stole Dameon Pierce in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, who now looks to be the best back in the entire draft.

Pierce is looking like a top running back in the league and is just starting his career. Averaging over 4.0 yards per carry may increase the more Houston’s offensive line adjusts to the run protection, making space for Pierce to get downhill.

Every time Pierce has room, he shoots out like a rocket and makes people miss tackles or runs them over. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a great defense and will look to stop Pierce in the backfield early and often if the offensive line can’t keep up. If the Texans can stay within a score, Pierce should receive 20-plus carries and hopefully tire out the Jags’ defense, allowing Davis Mills to throw more and take chances downfield.

Pierce’s touches will continue to increase, and be ready to see him now involved in the receiving game. The Texans don’t want to keep making it evident that they will throw the ball to Rex Burkhead when he comes in, so we can anticipate Pierce to have a more significant role catching the ball and becoming a well-rounded back.