Texans (1-8) at Titans (8-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Titans by 10 ⁄2
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Titans’ keys to victory: With the Texans sporting one of the NFL’s worst run defenses (1,232 yards allowed), the Titans might be able to run their offense after not getting much from their rushing attack following RB Derrick Henry’s injury. Look for Tennessee to establish the run early with D’Onta Foreman and Adrian Peterson, opening things up down the field for QB Ryan Tannehill and WR A.J. Brown to connect on play-action haymakers.
Texans’ keys to victory: Houston will be tasked with trying to keep the Titans’ vaunted “Big Three” in the pass rush (DLs Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons and OLB Harold Landry) in check, something no team has been able to do lately. The Titans have been a top-10 run defense this season and are most susceptible through the air. Houston has to get creative in its protections and play-calling.
Matchup to watch: Titans’ pass rush vs. Texans’ offensive line. The only chance the Texans have of keeping up with the Titans is to move the ball through the air. Tyrod Taylor is expected to start again after returning to the lineup in Week 9. He threw three interceptions upon his return but threw none in his two September games, in which he had QB ratings of 112.1 and 144.3, respectively.
Who wins? The Titans’ pass rush should dominate the Texans up front, making it impossible for Houston to get anything going on offense. Tennessee should also be able to effectively run the ball. The Titans could have their best offensive performance since the injury to Henry in Week 8.
Titans, 31-13