Titans (5-10) at Texans (8-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Texans by 3.5
Titans’ keys to victory: It remains to be seen whether the Titans will have QB Will Levis (ankle) for this game, but it won’t matter who is under center if the offensive line continues to be as bad as it has been in pass protection. The group up front also has to be better at run blocking in order to get RBs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears going. On defense, the Titans are badly short-handed up front and on the back end. They’ll need outstanding performances in the pass rush from DL Denico Autry and OLBs Arden Key and Harold Landry to keep the Texans grounded.
Texans’ keys to victory: Whether it’s C.J. Stroud or Case Keenum at QB, the Texans should once again find success throwing the ball against a depleted Titans secondary, as long as they can protect up front. But Tennessee’s short-handed front can also be exploited with the run, which should lead to another big day for RB Devin Singletary. On defense, Houston DE Will Anderson and OLB Jonathan Greenard should be able to dominate Titans OTs Jaelyn Duncan and Dillon Radunz, both of whom are the weakest links. With poor run blocking, Tennessee’s offense will be hopeless if the passing attack is thwarted.
Matchup to watch: Titans edge rushers vs. Texans offensive tackles. The only way the Titans can win is to keep it low scoring, so their edge rushers need to get home. Autry, Key and Landry must win their matchups with LT Laremy Tunsil and RT George Fant.
Who wins? Houston could have Stroud, and the Titans look listless offensively.
Texans, 28-17
Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire