The red-hot Houston Texans will host the up and down Tennessee Titans for a battle on Monday Night Football. Houston comes into this game having won seven straight games after losing the first three games of the season. The Titans had their mini two-game winning streak snapped last week in a blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts. This game has a ton of playoff implications in the AFC.
The Texans have climbed to the top of the AFC South with their 7-3 record, and are two games ahead of the Titans and Indianapolis Colts. Houston suffered a 20-17 loss to the Titans earlier this season, and are looking for revenge in this one. Tennessee still has a chance to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team in the AFC, but this game is a must win. Houston comes in as a 6.0 point favorite over the Titans on Monday night.
Texans Need Better QB Play
If the Houston Texans are going to make a deep playoff run, quarterback Deshaun Watson must play better. Watson has thrown for close to 2,600 yards this season but has also turned the ball over 10 times. He has made some questionable decisions of late and has held onto the ball for too long, leading to 33 sacks. The Texans are averaging just 23.9 points per game this season, and inconsistent play from Watson has been a big reason for that.
The Texans defense is once again one of the top units in the NFL. Houston has allowed just 20.5 points per game this season, and they create all sorts of problems for opposing offenses. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney have combined for 16.5 of the team’s 28 sacks this season and will look to get pressure on Mariota in this game. The Texans defense is capable of winning this game on their own.
Mariota Expected To Start
The Tennessee Titans are expecting Marcus Mariota to start at quarterback for this game, which should give them a nice boost. Mariota has been dealing with injuries all season long but is the clear top option for the Titans. The star quarterback is averaging just 157.2 passing yards per game but has the ability to extend plays with his legs. Running back Dion Lewis has emerged as a weapon for the Titans offense, racking up nearly 700 yards of total offense this season.
The Titans defense has been solid for much of the season but got lit up last weekend against the Colts. Tennessee is allowing just 18.9 points per game and limited the New England Patriots to just 10 points two weeks ago. Linebacker Jayon Brown leads the team with 4.5 sacks, and also has one forced fumble. The Titans will try to force Watson into some mistakes in this game.
Texans Win 8th Straight
The Houston Texans have survived some close games of late, but they feel like the much better team in this matchup. The Titans have struggled to score points, and the Houston defense should have a big game in this one. Look for Watson and the Texans offense to sustain some long drives and put up points at home. Bet the Houston Texans -6.0 over the Titans on Monday night.
