By: Jack Gold

As the NFL regular season comes to a close, the Tennessee Titans (3-13) aim to finish their season on a high note against a Houston Texans (9-7) team that’s already locked in for the playoffs – though many Titans fans will be rooting for a loss to improve draft position.

Last Time Out

Titans 13

Jaguars 20

TEN

Mason Rudolph – 19/31, 193 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT

Tyjae Spears – 20 car, 95 yds

Calvin Ridley – 5 rec, 84 yds

Chig Okonkwo – 5 rec, 42 yds

JAX

Mac Jones – 15/22, 174 yds, 2 TD

Brian Thomas Jr. – 7 rec, 91 yds, 1 TD

Texans 2

Ravens 31

HOU

C.J. Stroud – 17/31, 185 yds, 1 INT

Nico Collins – 3 rec, 59 yds

BAL

Lamar Jackson – 10/15, 168 yds, 2 TD, 4 car, 87 yds, 1 TD

Derrick Henry – 27 car, 147 yds, 1 TD

Titans Offense vs. Texans Defense

The Tennessee Titans will conclude their season with a quarterback rotation featuring both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Levis, with his elite arm talent, has the potential to stretch the field, providing moments of excitement but also has head-scratching moments with his turnover-prone nature. On the other hand, Rudolph’s tenure under center has been characterized by a more measured approach, focusing on short, high-percentage passes while also turning the ball over a large amount. This dual-QB strategy will be a final job interview for both quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season.

The Titans’ offensive line has had plenty of struggles, which could be particularly highlighted against a Texans front that includes the disruptive forces of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. These two have made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks all season, with both Hunter and Anderson in the top ten in the NFL in sacks providing relentless pressure. The Titans will need to lean on their running game with Tony Pollard, whose elusiveness might be key in keeping the Texans’ defense honest and opening up the passing game.

As has been for most of the year, receivers Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will need to step up to keep drives alive, but Chig Okonkwo has been great recently – showing flashes of being a dynamic playmaker after the catch, and his role will likely continue to expand.

Texans Offense vs. Titans Defense

C.J. Stroud has faced challenges in his second year. His performance hasn’t matched the high bar set in his rookie season, with issues in consistency and decision-making. Without Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, who are out for the season due to injury, the Texans’ passing attack has lost two dynamic players. However, Nico Collins has stepped up, becoming Stroud’s go-to target and one of the better receivers in the NFL. With the playoff spot already clinched, there’s uncertainty about how much Stroud or other key players will play, potentially giving Davis Mills a large share of time at QB on Sunday.

Joe Mixon has been a solid contributor in the run game and has many times become the focal point of the Texans’ offense. The Titans’ defense was successful last time against him – holding him to a season-low 22 yards on 14 carries. The Titans’ defense, led by Jeff Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, has had its moments of greatness but has been inconsistent recently in all aspects.

If Stroud plays, it will be for him to be able to work through his sophomore struggles against a Titans defense that’s had trouble recently. However, if backups or less experienced players take the field, the Titans’ defense could have a day. It will be a chance for the team to end a disappointing season on a high note.

Things to Watch

Draft Pick Implications

Sunday’s game is much more meaningful for the Titans than it is for the Texans. Depending on if they win or lose – and other results around the league – the Titans could pick anywhere from first overall to seventh overall in the 2025 NFL draft – a huge difference.

A loss to the Texans would secure a top-two pick in the draft, while a win would likely push them out of the top five entirely.

Quarterback Rotation

How Brian Callahan manages the quarterback situation with both Levis and Rudolph playing will be intriguing. It will be a chance to evaluate their performances for future planning on whether either of them will be on the roster in 2025.

Texans’ Playoff Preparation

With their playoff spot secured, the Texans might rest key players like Stroud or limit their snaps. This could mean more playing time for backups or a different game plan, potentially making the game unpredictable.

Moral Victory for Titans

For the Titans, ending the season with a win could provide a morale boost and a positive note to carry into the off-season. It’s an opportunity for individual players to make a statement for next year. Every week in the NFL is a job interview – especially in week 18 for a spiraling team amidst a rebuild like the Titans.

Young Players’ Showcase

This game is another chance for young Titans like JC Latham, T’Vondre Sweat, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to gain experience. For the Texans, it’s about ensuring their young core stays sharp or giving lesser-played rookies valuable game time before the playoffs.

Game Information

Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans

Time: January 5, 2024 @ 12:00 PM CDT

Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN)

TV Broadcast: CBS

TV Broadcast Crew: Tom McCarty, Jay Feely, Ross Tucker, Amanda Balionis

Radio: Titans Radio (104-5 The Zone)

Radio Crew: Mike Keith, Dave McGinnis, Ramon Foster, Rhett Bryan, Amie Wells

Referee: Brad Allen

Line: TEN -3

Over/Under: 36.5