The Houston Texans travel to Tennessee on Sunday to take on the Titans in a matchup that could determine who wins the AFC South.
The Tennessee Titans come into Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Texans red-hot, having won five of their last six –– including a convincing victory over the Oakland Raiders last week.
Meanwhile, the Texans enter the game with the same 8-5 record, but with perhaps a different vibe after their humbling defeat at the hands of rookie quarterback Drew Lock and the Broncos.
Here are the keys to Sunday’s game for both teams.
Houston Texans
- Get to Ryan Tannehill
The Titans quarterback has been on a roll in his seven games as the team’s starter. To put out the flame, Houston has to make him uncomfortable and keep him contained at the same time. But be careful, because he is more than capable of breaking off a chunk-play with his legs.
- Secure the ball
The Titans’ defense has been an opportunistic bunch. They have a knack for poking the ball out at just the right time. Ball security needs to be a point of emphasis for the Texans.
- Don’t fall behind
While the Titans have proven that they can win when falling behind, they also have shown that once they get the lead, they’re more than capable of keeping their foot on the gas and burying a team.
Tennessee Titans
- Pressure the quarterback
The front-seven needs to get to Deshaun Watson, which is far from an easy task. However, if given time, he has many weapons at his disposal. The defense needs to make him uncomfortable to disrupt his timing.
- Double Hopkins
Still one of the top receiving threats in the NFL, Deandre Hopkins should garner a second body in his vicinity more often than not. He has a history of stepping up and having big games when they matter the most.
- Keep Tannehill upright
The maligned offensive line from the first half of the season has improved drastically. They need to have another solid game protecting their quarterback, allowing him to pick the defense apart.
Point spread: Tennessee (-3) – pick em’
Predictions:
- Ryan Tannehill with have another terrific game, throwing a pair of touchdown passes.
- Deshaun Watson will also have a solid game, but it will be in a losing effort.
- A.J. Brown will have his second consecutive 100-yard receiving day, as well as chipping in a touchdown.
- Deandre Hopkins will finish just shy of the century mark, but will have a touchdown in his efforts.
- Derrick Henry, despite nursing a hamstring injury, will play like his normal self. He’ll break 100 yards again, and score a pair of touchdowns. He may even end the day as the league-leader in rushing yards and touchdowns.
- The Texans will fall behind early. Tennessee will get out to a quick two-score lead and never look back. And, much to the dismay of Henry, he’ll get pulled for Dion Lewis late in the game as a means of precaution to recover from that injury.
- The Titans, the early laughing stock of the AFC South, will end Week 15 leading the division.
Final Score: 34-20 Titans
