Titans vs. Texans: Preview, score prediction for Week 4
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Tennessee Titans saw a ton of people abandon the “they’re going to break out” bandwagon after a Week 1 loss, but have responded with two impressive victories. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans looked to be in dire straits after Week 1, but responded with a win in their second game and then pushing the Patriots tot he brink last week.
Now these two AFC South foes will square off in Week 4, meeting in Houston at NRG Stadium. These two squads finished 1-2 in the division a season ago, but Tennessee is looking to flip that script — or at least make their way to owning the rest of the division. With a win over the Jaguars already under their belt, beating the Texans would put them in a great position in terms of taking up that post.
So, how will things shake out on Sunday afternoon as these two meet up? Let’s take a look.
Keys to Victory
For the Titans to have success in this matchup, the offense is going to have to be dynamic, as it has been to this point. It doesn’t matter whether it’s DeMarco Murray or Derrick Henry, they must establish the run. With that, they can set up play-action and hope to negate the fierce pass rush of the Texans even more so than they already can with a stout offensive line.
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As for the Tennessee defense, they must get after Watson and create pressure. His success a week ago was, in large part, due to the Patriots’ inability to create a pass rush against an offensive line that has been ailing. Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan offer a much more formidable group that can really get in the rookie’s face and cause him issues.
Speaking of that Texans offense, they have to design plays to get the ball out of Watson’s hands quickly. As state, Tennessee is much more likely to get a pass rush on the rookie than New England was able to. When you couple that with the up-and-down performance of the Titans secondary, quick routes moving the ball at the intermediate and short levels could be effective.
We all know that the Houston defense is a respected bunch. However, they’re going to have a tough matchup this week against one of the best offensive lines in the league. J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and so on need to find ways to stunt and generate pressure on Marcus Mariota. Yes, he’s elusive, but making him work to make plays is a lot more effective than allowing him all day to work.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Tennessee -1
Moneyline: Tennessee -130, Houston +110
Over/Under: 44
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: All-offense edition
Prediction
Frankly, what Houston did last week to the Patriots feels like an anomaly, and a product of the New England defense not being that good. I think the Titans pass rush will cause Watson and the Texans fits, and their secondary is good enough to stop their receivers. While Mariota and the offense may not have an easy day, they’ll do enough to secure a cruising victory.
Final Score: Tennessee Titans: 24, Houston Texans: 13