This divisional clash pits the rebuilding Titans against the surging Texans. Tennessee looks to play spoiler while addressing glaring offensive inefficiencies. Houston aims to solidify its hold atop the AFC South by leveraging its balance on both sides of the ball. The Titans will rely on Levis to attack a Texans secondary that has sometimes shown vulnerabilities. Houston’s offense, led by Stroud and Mixon, will seek to exploit Tennessee’s defense.
Week 11 Recap
Last week, the Tennessee Titans fell to the Minnesota Vikings, 23-13, in a game where their offensive struggles continued. QB Will Levis showed flashes, throwing for 295 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. However, the run game was nonexistent, tallying just 33 yards last week.
The Houston Texans dominated their in-state rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, 31-10. RB Joe Mixon powered the Texans' offense with three rushing touchdowns, while QB CJ Stroud managed the game efficiently with 257 passing yards. Houston's defense also played a crucial role, highlighted by a defensive touchdown from pass rusher, Derek Barnett.
Offensive Strengths
Tennessee Titans
Despite Tennessee's passing game showed life last week. Westbrook-Ikhine’s 98-yard score was a highlight, and Calvin Ridley remains a steady contributor with 541 receiving yards this season. The Titans really struggled to get anything going in the run game. They need to be consistent in running the ball to help thier young QB and maintain balance on offense.
Houston Texans
Houston’s offense has been up and down this season as they rank 14th in total offense this season. Texans have been significantly more effective when Joe Mixon is in the lineup as he leads the team in rushing yards (764) and touchdowns (10). Stroud’s ability to distribute the ball effectively to playmakers like Tank Dell and Nico Collins makes the Texans difficult to defend.
Defensive Outlook
Tennessee Titans
Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. leads a unit that's battling injuries but continues to show fight. Despite these injuries, the Titans still have a top defensive unit in the NFL. Tennessee currently ranks second in the NFL in defense. A healthy Joe Mixon will force their run defense to be stifling against a run-heavy Texans offense.
Houston Texans
Houston’s defense has been disruptive, led by pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. (15 sacks combined this season) and key contributions from Derek Stingley Jr. and their solid secondary. Houston will control this matchup if they can pressure Levis and stifle Tennessee’s recently struggling run game.
Conclusion and Prediction
Houston is riding a wave of confidence with playoff aspirations, while Tennessee is searching for answers in a lost season. The Texans’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense are likely too much for the Titans to overcome. Crazy things happen in rivalry games but I think the Texans defend their home turf this weekend in a surprisingly close one.
JY Official Prediction: Houston 20, Tennessee 16
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