The Tennessee Titans are the definition of a desperate team as they enter a Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
The first-place Titans are on a four-game losing streak at the moment and have the Jacksonville Jaguars breathing down their neck at just a half game back. With a loss to Houston, the Titans would fall into second place.
The Titans will have to navigate their last three games in order to stave-off an epic collapse without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and center Ben Jones, making an already disastrous situation on offense even more troublesome.
Tennessee has dominated the Texans in recent years, but with the way both of these teams are playing of late, this is anything but an automatic win.
The Titans are still favored in this game, and the majority of experts are picking the Titans, but where does our staff stand? Find out now.
Ryan Sikes
I’m not entirely optimistic for the remainder of the season, given that the injuries have piled up just as they did a season ago. The latest news isn’t great, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill potentially lost for the year.
The Jaguars moved to within a game of the division lead on Thursday night, which should be a major motivator for this group.
Derrick Henry has another strong day against the Texans, and Malik Willis does just enough to snap the Titans’ four-game losing streak.
Final score: Titans 20, Texans 17
Tyler Rowland
The Tennessee Titans’ season is collapsing under the weight of the injury report. Jacksonville will likely catch up and win the division.
However, I think this is a good spot for the Titans to get a win.
The weather will be an equalizer and the Titans should get some pieces back on defense that will allow them to slow Houston. The Titans’ offensive line won’t be great, but I believe they can still run block. Titans run it about 40 times and win.
Final score: Titans 14, Texans 9
Mike Moraitis
The Titans draw about as favorable a matchup as one can get against a Texans team sporting the worst record in the NFL.
I normally wouldn’t doubt the Titans against the Texans with Derrick Henry playing, but with an already bad offensive line extremely banged-up, and with the Texans playing well of late, it at least makes me worry a bit more.
The Titans will still move the ball with success on the ground, but the passing attack will be very shaky at best thanks to poor pass protection and Malik Willis’ limitations as a passer.
Thankfully, the return of Denico Autry will spur the Titans’ pass-rush en route to Tennessee shutting down Houston’s offense and forcing a few turnovers, one of which the Titans will turn into points.
Final score: Titans 17, Texans 10
Shaun Calderon
The Titans are desperately trying to end their four-game losing streak against the team with the worst record in the NFL.
Unfortunately, the Texans have been playing well as of late, and I think this one will be much closer than it should be, but in the end, Mike Vrabel and the Titans do just enough to squeak by with a much-needed victory.
Final score: Titans 23, Texans 21
