Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans Matchup Preview (1/3/20): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

The Houston Texans will be taking on the Tennessee Titans in this one at home for the last game of the regular season. The Titans are still looking to clinch a spot in the playoffs, while the Texans are looking to get their dignity and respect back this season. The last time these two teams faced off against each other, the Titans won in overtime from a Derrick Henry touchdown 42-36. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans Matchup Page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, January 3rd, 2021
Time: 4:25 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texans
TV Coverage: CBS

Texans vs. Titans Live Stream

Where can you watch Texans vs. Titans online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Texans vs. Titans Free Online Now.

Injuries:

Houston Texans: Questionable: Keke Coutee, Phillip Gaines, Duke Johnson, C.J. Prosise, Brent Qvale, Doubtful: Laremy Tunsil
Tennessee Titans: Questionable: Adoree’ Jackson, Daren Bates, Khari Blasingame, Jeffery Simmons, A.J. Brown, Ben Jones, Dennis Kelly, Rodger Saffold, Derick Roberson

Houston Texans Analysis

The Houston Texans have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they will get one last shot on the season to seek their revenge from week 6 after having lost to the Tennessee Titans in overtime. Moreover, after seeing J.J Watt’s rant about the poor performance of the team this season, it would come as no surprise that the Texans will be playing hard in their final game.

Deshaun Watson has been the clear leader of this team that is holding the offense together this season. Last week, Watson threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns while fumbling the ball and losing it once. He connected with Brandin Cooks, Darren Fells, and David Johnson last week for his three touchdowns. Even though Deshaun Watson has been sacked the second most times on any quarterback, he was sacked just once last game. The Titans have not only produced the least amount of sacks this season but have allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game and the third-most passing touchdowns per game this season.

Last week, David Johnson had a phenomenal week against the Bengals’ defense. He ran the ball 12 times for 128 yards and one rushing touchdown while also catching an additional touchdown in the passing game. He and Deshaun Watson have been running the ball and controlling the backfield. The Titans’ rushing defense is somewhat better than their passing defense, considering they rank nearly average in all defensive categories, except for allowing 4.5 yards per attempt.

The Texans’ defense has been a huge problem for them this season and in recent games. Last week, they allowed 37 points to one of the worst offenses in the league against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans have allowed 28.2 points per game to their opponents this season and 411.7 yards per game, which ranks third to last in the NFL. They had a tough time containing the Titans’ skill players last game. Derrick Henry went for 212 yards, and A.J Brown recorded two touchdowns last game they played each other. They will need their defense to step up to come out with a win in this one.

Houston Texans Depth Chart

QB: Deshaun Watson
RB1: David Johnson
RB2: Duke Johnson
WR1: Will Fuller
WR2: Brandin Cooks
WR3: Randall Cobb
TE: Darren Fells

Tennessee Titans Analysis

The Tennesee Titans can clinch the AFC South title with a win against the Texans or a loss for the Indianapolis Colts. Moreover, they can clinch a playoff spot with losses from the Baltimore Ravens and/or the Miami Dolphins. The Titans are 10-5 on the season and have the tiebreaker against the Colts for the division title. They could use a win to secure their spot in the playoffs and maintain a higher seed.

Last week, the Titans got pummeled by the Green Bay Packers in the snow at Lambeau Field. Tannehill only completed 11 passes in the game for 121 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He connected with Jonnu Smith for his lone touchdown of the game. Luckily, this game will be in Houston, Texas, where they will avoid any weather-related issues. Plus, the Texans have allowed nearly a 70% completion rate to their opponents this season, the seventh-most passing yards per game, and nearly two passing touchdowns on average per game.

Derrick Henry had a tough game last week, going without a touchdown for just the sixth game this season. He ran the ball 23 times for 98 yards in this one but could not contribute much outside of those statistics. Luckily for Henry, the Texans have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. They have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game, the fourth most rushing touchdowns per game, and 5.0 yards per attempt, which is the worst value in the NFL for that category. Derrick Henry had 212 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in his last contest against the Texans.

The Titans’ defense has done a poor job at supporting their offense this season. Last week, they allowed the Packers to score 40 points on them. They have allowed 26.7 points per game this season, which is seriously below average. They have also recorded the least amount of sacks as a team in the NFL and have allowed the fourth-most yards per game to their opponents. The Texans have a dangerous offense that they will need to contain to get to the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans Depth Chart

QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB1: Derrick Henry
RB2: Darrynton Evans
WR1: Corey Davis
WR2: A.J. Brown
WR3: Adam Humphries
TE: Jonnu Smith

Betting Corner Titans -7.5

Spread: +/- 7.5
Moneyline: Titans -375, Texans +280
Over/Under: 56.5

Prediction

Spread: Titans -7.5
Moneyline: Titans -375
Over/Under: o56.5

This game will be one of the more risky games to bet this weekend. However, considering the Titans need this game way more than the Texans, I would take my chances on saying that they will win. The Texans’ defense is seriously bad, and their offense has lost many skill players since the last time they played each other. The spread is a difficult one, but the Texans have only covered five spreads this season.

After having seen the last game between these two teams, I would definitely choose the over for this game. The Titans have hit the over 11 times this season, and the Texans have a 7-8 record for the over/under. I would choose the over for this game.

Love/Hate Fantasy Picks

Love

David Johnson has been a stellar addition to fantasy teams late in the season as his production has increased. He has put up 24+ points in each of his last two games, and he has scored at least once in his last three games. Johnson will be taking on one of the worst rushing defenses in the league that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs. The last time he played the Titans, he put up 13.9 fantasy points from a 19-57-1 stat line. He has projected for 14 points going into this one.

Hate

Jonnu Smith has put up 10+ points in his last two games, but if it was not for his touchdowns, he would not be a viable fantasy player. Always avoid players that are contingent on scoring touchdowns to have solid fantasy outings. Jonnu Smith is certainly one of those, and because of that, I cannot trust him going into this game. The last time he played the Texans, he had just one catch for 13 yards. He has still projected for 9.95 fantasy points next weekend.