This Sunday brings yet another intense face-off in the NFL season, as AFC South rivals the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans go head to head. These teams have battled it out in many memorable games before, and this one promises to be no different.
Date and Time
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville
Head-to-Head Overview
This Sunday will be the 43rd meeting between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans. The Titans hold a narrow 23-19 lead in the series. The two games between the sides last season were both won by the home team.
Team Performance Analysis
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have struggled in recent games, but come into this contest off the back of a stunning win at the Dolphons on Monday night. However, they currently occupy last place in the AFC South Division with virtually no chance of making the Postseason.
Houston Texans
The Texans are sitting 3rd in the AFC South, but are just one game back from the Jacksonville Jaguars who lead the division. The Texans have two wins in their last five games, including a lopsided 30-6 defeat to the Jets last time out.
Injury Report
Tennessee Titans Injuries
The Titans have a number of key players with questionable injury statuses for this game. Notably, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Kyle Peko are questionable for the game due to their injuries. Meanwhile, Caleb Farley is expected to return to the game after being physically unable to perform because of a back injury.
Houston Texans Injuries
Wednesday’s Injury Report for #HOUvsTEN ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/7TemBgsakC
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 13, 2023
The Texans face key issues with their lineup as well, with important players like Dalton Schultz and DeAndre Houston-Carson listed as questionable due to injury, and WR Tank Dell out for the season with a serious leg injury. Star quarterback C.J. Stroud’s concussion puts his participation in question as well.
Game Stakes
The two sides are sitting 3rd and 4th in the AFC South Division. But whilst the Titans are virtually out of Postseason contention, the Texans can still make it either via a Wild Card spot or by winning the AFC South. Two or more wins from their remaining four games should be enough to secure them a place in January’s Playoffs.
Betting Odds
The betting odds for the game slightly favor the Titans, largely due to the injury to Stroud. Tennessee can be backed at around 1.73 for the win, with the Texans available at 2.25.
Conclusion
The close nature of the AFC South standings, combined with the historic rivalry of these teams, means that this game is likely to be a fiercely contested affair. However, the stakes are a lot higher for the Texans given their position in the AFC seedings. We think that will give them a greater incentive for victory, so we are backing them to get their ninth W of the campaign.
