Houston Texans

Titans at Texans: Game preview, odds, prediction

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans each face their first AFC South opponent this week when they square off in the Lone Star State.

It’s been a rough few days for the defending AFC South champion Houston Texans. And that may be putting it kindly.

Last Thursday, the team was embarrassed on national TV (and the Twitter live feed) by the New England Patriots, 27-0.

On Tuesday evening, they may have suffered an even bigger setback. It was then word came down that defensive end J.J. Watt may be out for the remainder of the season after re-injuring his back.

It goes without saying that the loss of the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year can’t be understated. Yes, he’s a relentless pass-rusher, but he’s been relatively ineffective in this season’s first three games — most notably against the Bears and Patriots. The six-year pro had a big outing against the Kansas City Chiefs, a performance that included 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

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His play in three games may also explain some of the Texans’ issues against the run. In three games, Romeo Crennel’s defenders have surrendered an average of 125.7 yards per game on the ground. Watt’s up-and-down performance due to injury is certainly not the sole reason this unit has had its issues in this department but it has certainly played a factor.

Odds

Line: Texans (-5.5)

Over/Under: 40.5

All told, Houston allowed 73 yards rushing in the win over the Bears but gave up 119 yards against Kansas City and 185 yards in the loss to New England. Those are not promising numbers when you are getting ready to face the likes of Tennessee running back DeMarco Murray.

This could be the ugliest game of the weekend. But let’s also keep in mind that the Titans have won the last four meetings between these clubs and are 7-1 in the last eight encounters. Even minus Watt, this is a tough Houston defense and perhaps a bit too much for a Titans’ squad that has had problems finding the end zone thus far.

Pick: Houston 13, Tennessee 7