Behind Enemy Lines: Ending off the Titans’ season with Texans Wire

Last week’s 38-28 loss to the visiting New Orleans Saints was a tough one for the Tennessee Titans, but it all comes down to Week 17’s rematch against the division rival Houston Texans.

The Titans’ simplest path into the postseason lies in defeating the Texans on the road — a team they lost 24-21 to just a couple of weeks ago in Nissan Stadium.

We previewed the matchup with Texans Wire managing editor ahead of Sunday.

1. Are the Texans making the right decision if they choose to not rest starters like Watson?

Mark Lane: No. As much as I appreciate series history and Houston sticking it to Bud Adams’ team, there are bigger things to play for than an 11-5 record, achieving the fifth sweep of the Titans (which would be tied with Tennessee for the most sweeps in series history), and “momentum.” A.J. McCarron should be handing off to Taiwan Jones on first and second down and looking for Steven Mitchell on third downs.

2. What are the Texans’ biggest weaknesses heading into the postseason?

ML: Execution, starting games off strong. They have a problem of reacting to the game as opposed to establishing their tempo to start games. The offense is also stagnant when receiver Will Fuller is sidelined, and he won’t be back until the conference championship game. They also can’t generate a pass rush. Opposing quarterbacks have generated a 96.2 passer rating, the 11th-highest in the league. All of the QBs in the playoffs are good and will beat you if you don’t affect them somehow.

3. What makes this matchup between the Texans and Titans different from the one two weeks ago?

ML: I would say the fact the AFC South is locked up, so, there’s disproportionate outcomes related to the ballgame. In other words, there’s no incentive for Houston to win, no consequence if they lose. On the flip side, the Titans winning guarantees that final wild-card spot, but a loss means they will need help.

4. Which Texans player is most poised for a big game this week?

ML: I would say WR Keke Coutee. I think with the injury to Will Fuller and also wanting to rest guys such as DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills, and DeAndre Carter, Coutee, who has been in the doghouse all season, will get a chance to see more reps since the consequences are so low. It could be a chance for him to pad his stats.

5. Final score prediction?

ML: I’ll say what I said in our brilliant capsules we all write for USA TODAY Sports Weekly (on sale now): “The Titans need the win as part of the tiebreaker scenario to get into the playoffs. Fun fact: The Texans’ last wild-card playoff win, in 2016, was preceded by a loss to the Titans in Week 17. Titans 27, Texans 16.”