Texans and Jaguars Set for AFC South Showdown at Wembley in Week 6

The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars will take the field at Wembley Stadium in London for a Week 6 matchup that carries early division implications in the AFC South. The game, scheduled for October 18, 2026, marks the latest installment of the NFL’s International Series and brings a roster shakeup for both sides.

Here is what to know ahead of kickoff, including the debut of a high-profile rookie receiver and a special teams change for Jacksonville.

Key facts

Marvin Harrison Jr. makes his Texans debut

The biggest storyline entering the game is the expected debut of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Texans. The former Ohio State standout and top draft pick has been sidelined since the start of the season due to an undisclosed injury, but reports from team activities this week indicated he would be available for the London trip.

Harrison Jr. joins a Texans passing attack that has leaned on veteran receivers and tight ends through the first five weeks. His presence gives quarterback C.J. Stroud a new deep threat and a proven route runner capable of changing how defenses approach Houston’s offense. The Texans drafted Harrison Jr. with the expectation he would become a centerpiece of the offense, and this game offers the first live look at that vision.

For Jaguars fans and fantasy football managers tracking the AFC South, Harrison Jr.’s usage and chemistry with Stroud will be a key subplot. The rookie has not taken a regular-season snap yet, so his conditioning and timing remain unproven at the NFL level.

Jaguars make a special teams change

The Jaguars also arrive in London with a roster adjustment. The team has a new long snapper for Week 6, a move that typically signals either an injury or a performance-based change on special teams. Long snapping is a specialized role, and any change can affect field goal and punt operations.

Jacksonville’s special teams unit has faced scrutiny in recent weeks, and the coaching staff appears to be seeking stability ahead of a game played on a different surface and in a foreign environment. The identity of the new long snapper and whether he will be a short-term fill-in or a longer-term solution remains unconfirmed by the team at the time of this report.

The change adds an element of uncertainty for a Jaguars team trying to find consistency after an uneven start to the season.

AFC South context and stakes

Both teams entered Week 6 looking to gain ground in the AFC South. The Texans and Jaguars have each shown flashes but have also dealt with injuries and inconsistency. A win in London would provide a boost heading into the second quarter of the season, especially with the division race expected to be tight.

The NFL’s International Series has become a regular feature of the schedule, and playing at Wembley presents unique challenges: a long flight, time zone adjustment, and a neutral-site atmosphere that can favor whichever team adapts faster. Both franchises have previous experience with London games, but the 2026 edition carries extra weight because of the division matchup.

What to watch during the game

Fans tuning in should monitor how the Texans use Harrison Jr. in the game plan. If he is on a snap count, Stroud may target him in specific situations such as third down or red zone packages. The Jaguars defense, coordinated by Ryan Nielsen, will likely test the rookie early with press coverage and safety help over the top.

On the other side, the Jaguars offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence will look to exploit a Texans defense that has been vulnerable against the run at times. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. could see an increased workload if Jacksonville tries to control the clock and keep the Texans offense off the field.

Kickoff time and broadcast information

The game is scheduled for a standard London time slot, which translates to early morning kickoff on the East Coast and mid-morning in the Central and Mountain time zones. Broadcast details, including network and streaming options, are expected to be confirmed closer to game day.

For fans attending at Wembley, gates typically open two hours before kickoff, and the stadium offers a full schedule of NFL pregame activities.

Source: The Athletic — Texans vs. Jaguars in London: Kickoff time at Wembley, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s debut (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7695164/2026/10/18/texans-jaguars-nfl-london-wembly-tv-time-marvin-harrison-jr/)