While the Houston Texans can’t secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, they could clinch another 10-win season behind DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud.
The only thing in their way? A four-quarter battle in Nashville with the struggling Tennessee Titans in Week 18. With a victory, Houston would cap off the 2024 campaign with a 5-1 record in the AFC South and a double-digit win season en route as the division champs.
Houston (9-7) enters Sunday’s showdown at Nissan Stadium as a 4-point road underdog against Tennessee (3-13), according to odds from BetMGM. The over/under for points is currently set at 36, while the money line is at -225.
The Texans are preparing for two different quarterbacks. Titans first-year coach Brian Callahan confirmed on Monday that former second-round pick Will Levis and veteran Mason Rudolph would play in the regular-season finale as a test for next season.
While the Texans are playing for a 10-win year, the Titans are looking to end the year on a high note and outside the top three in April’s NFL draft. Following a 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Titans are currently projected to own the second overall pick with a loss on Sunday.
The Texans could also rest starters since they can’t improve their positioning in the AFC playoffs following a 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. The team, however, wants to end their year on a high note entering the postseason.
