This week we have an AFC South matchup as the Houston Texans travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans.
The Texans are the frontrunners for the potential first overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, sitting at 1-12-1. Meanwhile, the Titans are 7-7 and now sit atop the AFC South.
The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 8, with the Titans winning 17-10.
The Titans have been going back and forth for first place in the AFC South with the Jaguars over the last few weeks, and the division is still up for grabs. This means the Titans need to win this one, while the Texans, well, do not.
Earlier this month, the Houston Texans were officially the first team eliminated from playoff contention. Still, they came out swinging against the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago, losing on a 98-yard drive by Dak Prescott in the fourth quarter.
This past week, they took the Chiefs to overtime, ultimately losing in the end.
While they’ve been putting up some hard-fought games over the past few weeks, they should really be focusing on the 2023 NFL Draft and next year. With their star rookie running back Dameon Pierce now on IR, it makes even more sense for them to focus on the future.
Continue reading for my best bets and predictions in this AFC South matchup between Houston and Tennessee.
Texans vs Titans Odds
Tennessee started off the week as 8.5-point favorites, but the odds have moved a bit, with the Titans still favored by seven points.
This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as we’ve seen the Houston Texans put up two respectable fights over the past couple of weeks. The Titans should absolutely be the favorites in this one, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Texans give Tennessee fans a bit of a scare.
Take a look at the best Texans odds and Titans odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Texans vs Titans Implied Totals
Titans 22.5, Texans 15.5
As of Tuesday morning, the Houston Texans are projected to win this one by a touchdown. With the opposite directions that these two teams have been heading, it makes sense that the home team Titans are the favorite.
Houston is eye-balling the potential first overall pick in the NFL draft while the Titans will be fighting for the division title over the next few weeks.
Texans vs Titans Pick of the Day
Read more on this Texans vs Titans bet below.
Texans vs Titans Prediction
Titans 23, Texans 20
The last time these two teams played, Derrick Henry led the way with 32 carries for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill was sidelined with an injury, leaving Malik Willis as the starting quarterback. He completed just six of 10 passes for 55 yards and an interception.
Again, the Texans shouldn’t have a ton to play for, other than pride. But they’ve been fighting just hard enough over the past few weeks that they could end up giving the Titans some worries in Week 16.
The Texans offense has struggled this year with Davis Mills behind center, and the one bright spot has been Pierce, who we won’t see again until next year. Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins have been hurt and have had their share of drama this year as well.
The Titans leaned on Henry with Tannehill out the last time these two teams met. Expect more of the same this week.
Tennessee should also get rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks back after missing Week 15 with a concussion. Robert Woods is also expected to return.
The Titans defense has been playing better and should give the Texans offense fits. Still, Houston has played just good enough lately and has nothing to lose.
Playing this game for pride would be great for the Texans’ morale, and they’d still have the first overall pick next year locked up. That’s why I’m taking the Titans to win this one, but for the Texans to cover the spread.
Texans vs Titans Bet Tips
Here are a few Texans vs Titans betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Texans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five AFC South matchups.
- The total has gone Over in four of the last six games between these two teams.
- The Titans are 11-2 in their last 13 AFC South matchups.
Texans vs Titans Best Bets
Over 38 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
At just 38 total points, this AFC South matchup is the third-lowest total on the slate. Don’t expect a shootout in Tennessee this week, but the Over could absolutely hit.
The Over has hit in four of the past six matchups between these two teams, and it’s just too low to pass on this time as well.
Neither team has a fantastic defense, and the Texans have put up 23 and 24 points in the last two weeks, one of which was against Dallas, who has one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Don’t be surprised if both teams put up points and this one comes down to a field goal.
Want to bet on the Titans? Check out the best TN sportsbooks!
Texans +7 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
As stated previously, the Texans have been putting up a fight the past two weeks. From almost taking down the Cowboys, to taking the Chiefs to overtime, they’re truly playing with nothing to lose.
Perhaps other teams aren’t giving this Texans team any respect, which might be the case again this week.
I might sprinkle a bit on the Texans to win this one outright, but overall, I believe taking the points here makes sense. The spread did open at 8.5 points in the Titans’ favor, so the oddsmakers must be feeling similarly as well.
Houston has nothing to lose and won’t give their division rivals an easy win this week.
Want to bet on the Texans? Check out the best U.S. sportsbooks!
Texans vs Titans Props
Check out the best Texans vs Titans player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Houston vs Tennessee game and see all of its prop bets.
