The Titans came back from down two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter vs. the Dolphins to steal a win last weekend. This Sunday, Dec. 17, they’ll look to build on that momentum and defeat an ailing division rival in the Houston Texans, who are vying for the last Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs. They are likely to be without their rookie phenom QB CJ Stroud, but backup QBs have done a great job at keeping teams afloat this year.
Between a playoff spot for the Texans and building a foundation for Tennessee QB Will Levis, both teams have a lot to play for this weekend. We’re taking a look at the Titans vs. Texans odds and preview and the best sportsbook bonuses on the market that you can claim for betting action.
Titans vs. Texans Betting Odds
Levis and the Titans’ offense are starting to settle in. They have scored 20-plus points in back-to-back games for the first time this season, putting up 28 points against the Colts and Dolphins the last two weeks. Meanwhile, the injuries are starting to pile for Houston, who may be without their starting QB and an abundance of offensive weapons.
Titans’ Offense Pros and Cons
Tennessee has compiled at least 380 total offensive yards in consecutive games, resulting in an OT loss to the Colts and a miraculous comeback win against the Dolphins. Levis threw for 200-plus yards in both outings, which has helped make life a little easier for RB Derrick Henry. Henry has rushed for six touchdowns in his last three games, and it’s because defenses now have to respect the Titans’ passing game. He had four total in the 10 games prior.
However, this is causing the Titans to go to air a lot more, and Levis is struggling to protect the ball. He has three turnovers in his last two games. Had they not pulled off the comeback, you can make an argument that his turnover problems are what caused them to lose both games. The Texans are middle of the pack in forced turnovers, but a good portion of their forced turnovers have come in just the last few weeks. They have forced 19 this season, including 11 interceptions. Five of those forced turnovers have come in the last three weeks of play.
If the Titans want to avoid the upset at home, they’ll have to find a way to move the ball down the field without turning the ball over.
Texans’ Injury Onslaught
Houston’s offense has been one of the best in the league all season, but the last few weeks has been very unfortunate for them. In addition to Stroud (concussion) and WR Tank Dell (season-ending lower leg injury), the Texans may also be without the bulk of their receiving core. As of now, tight end Dalton Schultz and wide receivers Noah Brown, Robert Woods, and Nico Collins are all nursing injuries.
To make matters worse for whoever steps in at QB for the Texans, they also have two offensive linemen on injury watch in Shaq Mason and George Fant. Both are filling in for injured lineman. Losing either of them would make overcoming the odds that much more challenging for the Texans.
The injuries caught up with Houston last weekend against the Jets, who forced the Texans into one of the worst performances of the season — a 30-6 loss. That was with Stroud on the field. Without him on the field and still having to deal with the additional injuries, things aren’t looking too good for Houston.
Tennessee vs. Houston Prediction: Titans Will Cover
The Titans are hitting a rhythm right when Houston is starting to flail. The point spread is pretty close in this one considering the Texans are on the road and have one of the deepest injury lists in the league. In addition to their hobbled offense, the Texans’ defense allowed the Jets’ struggling offense to have one of its best performances of the season. The tape from that game should go a long way helping Levis to stay hot.
Picks: Titans -2.5 and Under 37.5 points.
