By: Jack Gold

The Tennessee Titans (2-8) enter Week 12 looking to snap a multi-game losing streak and halt the momentum of the Houston Texans (7-4) in an important divisional matchup.

Tennessee Offense vs Houston Defense

The Titans offense will face a stern test against the Texans defense in Week 12. The defense, led by a talented front seven that includes Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry and Will Anderson, has been a problem for opposing offensive lines – 5th in the league in sacks (34). Though not quite the level of the Vikings last week, the Texans defense is very similar. They are an above-average unit that gets to the QB and forces the third most turnovers in the league.

Hunter and Anderson have been arguably the best edge rusher duo in the NFL this season with 7.5 sacks a piece. Adding former Titan Denico Autry to the mix has made their pass rush even more formidable as he’s racked up three sacks of his own in his first five games with the team since serving a six-game suspension for PEDs.

On top of the defensive line, the Texans’ young secondary has been just as exciting. Led by Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter, the unit has forced 14 interceptions – second in the NFL to the Vikings.

Despite all of that, there is reason for optimism in Nashville after Will Levis has stacked back-to-back solid performances vs elite defenses, with last week’s second-half performance reminding many Titans fans of the excitement they had about him this offseason. Even in the loss, Levis impressed – showing off his arm talent while taking care of the ball. The 98 and 51 yard touchdown bombs to NWI and Calvin Ridley were the big highlights (though Ridley’s was called back on an illegal formation penalty), but most impressive was the game-long performance of playing under heavy pressure and making the right reads – even if the read is a 2-yard throw to the flat. 

Levis will need to continue to be accurate and decisive on Sunday but could use some help from the offensive line and the run game. If the Titans can execute their game plan and limit turnovers, they can upset the Texans. However, it will be a tough challenge against a talented and well-coached team.

Tennessee Defense vs Houston Offense

Similarly to the offense, the Titans’ defense will also face a tough challenge in Week 12 against the high-powered Houston Texans’ offense. The offense, led by quarterback CJ Stroud, running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Nico Collins is one of the most explosive in the NFL when healthy.

Stroud burst onto the scene last season as a rookie, and though he’s underwhelmed at times this year, he’s still as talented as they get. Surrounded by Mixon, Collins and Tank Dell, Stroud has plenty of help in the weapons department – despite losing Stefon Diggs for the year a few weeks ago. A large determinator for his success, like many QBs, will be the offensive line play. Despite having one of the best left tackles in the league in Laremy Tunsil, the unit has struggled at other spots due to injury and underperformance, making Stroud’s life much harder. 

After being nearly released and then traded by the Bengals, Joe Mixon has looked like arguably the best non-Derrick Henry running back in the NFL. He has been exactly what the Texans were missing last year and has become the game plan on offense in several games including last week in which he racked up 155 total yards and three touchdowns in their win over the Cowboys. Jeff Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat and their “nobody runs on the Titans” mentality will need to perform this week to slow him down.

Much like Stroud, Collins made himself relevant last season and has further established himself as one of the best in the game this year. Before a hamstring injury took him out in week five, Collins led the NFL in receiving and was on pace for over 2,000 yards receiving in his four-game tear to start the season. He returned last week on limited snaps and will likely be closer to a full workload against the Titans this week. With L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie out again this week, rookie Jarvis Brownlee will need to continue his strong play as he will likely be matched up with Collins.

Things to Watch

Will Levis’ Progression

Though it may not have been the most enjoyable route, Will Levis is finally on the road of progress. In back-to-back weeks against top-of-the-NFL defenses, Levis has put together solid performances and continues to look better and better as he gets more experience. Has he solidified himself as the answer for the team at QB? No, but he has definitely raised the odds of that being a possibility in the past two weeks.

Limiting Penalties

Despite an abysmal outing from the officials last week, the Titans were not free of blame for all 13 penalties that cost them 91 yards and multiple scores. It’s been a common theme all year. The Titans are second in the NFL in penalties called against them with 83 and sixth in yards with 630. The team will have to play more disciplined football and quit shooting themselves in the foot to beat a team like the Texans.

Titans O-line vs the Texans Pass Rush

It’s no secret that the Titans’ offensive line has struggled this year – especially the right side. The road to competency has been a bumpy ride and will only get more difficult this week against arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry are the best trio of edge rushers in the NFL and while the Titans likely feel confident in JC Latham, the same cannot be said for whatever combination of NPF, John Ojokwu and Isaiah Prince that we get at right tackle on Sunday.