Titans (10-5) at Texans (4-11)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Titans by 71⁄
2
Titans’ keys to victory: Tennessee has a seemingly unstoppable running back in Derrick Henry and should ride him against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Henry rushed for 212 yards against Houston in Week 6. To keep the defense off balance, QB Ryan Tannehill must protect the football and not provide free possessions for Houston. Tennessee’s defense must shut down the running game and force Houston to play one dimensionally early. The pass rush must also corral and contain elusive Houston QB Deshaun Watson.
Texans keys to victory: Houston has found success with RB David Johnson, who has provided over 200 scrimmage yards in the past two games combined. If Johnson can’t get involved conventionally, Houston has the passing game available. Watson has played magnificently despite the disappointment all around in Houston. Ultimately, the Texans run defense will have to stiffen up. DE J.J. Watt will have to find ways to stop the run first before disrupting the quarterback.
Matchup to watch: Texans CB Keion Crossen vs. Titans WR A.J. Brown. Crossen played at a high level against Cincinnati in Week 16, collecting four pass breakups. If Crossen is able to shadow and frustrate Brown, it could provide Houston an opening for success and a preview of their 2021 secondary.
Who wins? Tennessee needs a win to negate all scenarios that could give Indianapolis the division. The Texans will be playing for pride.
Titans 30-17