Tennessee Titans (5-5) vs. Houston Texans (7-3)
Preview
The Titans and Texans are meeting for their last matchup of the series for 2018. Tennessee beat Houston 20-17 during their previous game and Blaine Gabbert was the quarterback for the Titans. Tennessee fell flat on their face last week, and a win would not only restore their confidence but increase their chances of making the playoffs, as they would climb a game closer to winning the division. The Texans are on a 7-game winning streak. They might not be pretty wins but Houston is getting the job done. The Texans can increase their divisional lead with a big victory on Monday night.
Players to watch
The Titans have yet to find a way to get the tandem of Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry going in the same game. If they can find a way to utilize them, then they can control the clock and keep Houston’s offense off the field. Malcolm Butler will have his hands full with DeAndre Hopkins, but if he can find a way to win the majority of that matchup, he could help slow down the Texans offense. Demaryius Thomas was non-existent last week and he will be needed against a stout defense. If J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney continue their domination then the Titans offense is going to struggle to get up the field.
Keys to the game
Tennessee Titans
Collapse Watson’s pocket
Quick passes to help protect Mariota
Control the clock
Houston Texans
Establish the run
Protect Watson
No costly turnovers
Injury list
Tennessee Titans
David Fluellen, RB - Knee (Out)
Dane Cruikshank, S - Knee (Out)
Taywan Taylor, WR - Foot (Questionable)
Houston Texans
Sammie Coates Jr., WR - Illness (Questionable)
Duke Ejiofor, OLB - Shoulder (Questionable)
Zach Fulton, C/G - Shoulder (Questionable)
Senio Kelemete, G - Ankle (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (HOU)
Dion Lewis, RB (TEN)
Lamar Miller, RB (HOU)
Corey Davis, WR (TEN)
Deshaun Watson, QB (HOU)
Prediction
This game depends on which Titans team comes to play and how healthy Mariota is. Regardless, Houston has everything going their way from the winning streak, playing at home, and wanting to get revenge for their early season loss to Houston. It will be a tough AFC South matchup like in the previous game, but this time the Texans will find a way to squeak one out to continue their winning streak.
Final Score: Texans 21, Titans 18
Written by: Cody Manning