Every win counts for the Houston Texans, but this would be a big one.
The Texans take on the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium in a clash of opponents who called Houston home at a point in history. With a win, Houston would move to 4-0 in the AFC South and could be in line for a potential playoff-clinching scenario in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Houston (7-4) returned to its winning ways following a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on "Monday Night Football." A healthier Nico Collins should be on display. The same goes for Will Anderson Jr., who's expected to play for the first time since Week 9.
The Titans (2-8) remain lost entering Week 12. They're on a two-game losing streak and only managed to beat the New England Patriots in overtime thanks to a last-second Drake Maye touchdown. Will Levis looked better in Week 11's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but his early season struggles have left Tennessee in a position where draft conversations are selling points in Nashville.
To get an inside look at Tennessee's struggles, overall expectations for Sunday's showdown and plans for 2025 for the second half of the regular season, Texans Wire reached out to Dan Benton, managing editor of Titans Wire, to break down everything Texans fans should expect when the AFC South rivals take the field at noon CT.
DB = down bad?
Sep 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) attempts to make a catch against Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Texans Wire: With L'Jariud Sneed out, what direction do the Titans turn at cornerback?
Dan Benton: Darrell Baker Jr. played really well last week against the Vikings, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. came in strong when Sneed went out. Brownlee, who you can argue is Tennessee's best corner as a rookie, has struggled with penalties the last few weeks, but his overall play has been solid, and Baker broke up several crucial passes last week.
The C.J. Stroud-Nico Collins combination will be difficult to stop if they find their footing this week, but the Titans also have Amani Hooker floating around the secondary for backup.
Pollard punch
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball against the Minnesota Viking during the second half during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
TW: Tony Pollard has come on strong this season. Is it just him being comfortable in the system? More carries? What have you noticed?
Benton: Tony Pollard has been the most consistent player on the Titans' offense. Last weekend was actually his worst game and he's been a bit more inconsistent of late. However, he's a veteran who gives his all and knows what to do. He looks comfortable and is a really good fit in the offense when they decide to use him. If the Titans are going to have any chance, Pollard must be heavily involved in the game plan.
A dominant D but an Achilles heel?
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (56) and defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat (93) tackle Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
TW: Surprisingly, Tennessee looks great defensively besides the 2-8 record. What's been their weakest point that's factored into their demise?
Benton: Tennessee's weakest defensive point is the interior. The pass rush hasn't been there this season, which is evidenced by a small number of sacks and takeaways.
The corner position has zero depth, but their play has largely been on-point outside of the lacking turnovers. Fatigue is the biggest factor there as the Titans rarely rotate players like the rest of the league.
QB1 back in 2025?
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) pressures Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) on a throw in the second half at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
TW: If the season were to end today, Tennessee would own a top 3 draft pick. Will Levis is somewhat turning a corner. Is there any chance he sticks around at QB1 or do you think there's a new gunslinger in Nashville next offseason?
Benton: It's hard to say which way the Titans will go. On one hand, Will Levis has shown significant improvement of late and there are more glaring issues (see: right tackle) but there's still the prospect of the new stadium. The Titans obviously want to fill the seats and what's more exciting than a young, talented rookie quarterback? This is a decision that will likely be made over the next seven weeks. Right now, 50-50.
A rookie OT vs. a veteran pass rush
Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham (55) in his stance against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
TW: How has rookie OT JC Latham looked? Is he up for a challenging afternoon facing Danielle Hunter and potentially Will Anderson Jr.?
Benton: JC Latham has been up and down, although he is definitely not the biggest problem along the offensive line. He has been solid this season despite some mistakes and while Hunter and Anderson present a challenge, Latham isn't in the habit of letting guys get past him.
As the season wears on, one could argue Latham has become the team's best offensive lineman.
And The Winner Is....
TW: Alright, let's not beat around the bush. Who wins and why?
Benton: There are quite a few people who believe this game might end up being a close one. I'm not one of those people. Although Levis has improved of late, I am fully expecting to see an ugly game complete with a few mind-boggling turnovers. It's up to him to prove me wrong and that could come in this game, but I am not holding my breath.
Texans 26, Titans 16