The Tennessee Titans (8-5) are riding high on a four-game winning streak that they’ll look to extend to five games as they face the division rival Houston Texans for the first time of the year this week.
The Titans are considered slight favorites, and that’s been reflected in analyst predictions across several networks ahead of the matchup.
The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain sees the Titans taking a 28-23 victory.
“The Titans’ hot streak continues with a victory that elevates their record to 9-5 and gives them first place in the AFC South,” he wrote.
Athlon Sports’ Jake Rose predicts a 24-22 Texans victory on the road.
“Just when you think the Texans are about to prove they’re one of the AFC’s premier teams by thumping the reigning Super Bowl champs, they lay a completely avoidable egg by losing to the five-win Broncos at home,” he wrote. “The Texans have been feasting on losing teams this season, going 6-3, but are just 2-2 against teams on the right side of .500. On Sunday, Deshaun Watson and Houston’s offense will have to start fast in hostile territory to match a red-hot Titans offense — but it can be done?”
ESPN’s Turron Davenport and Sarah Barshop both picked the Titans to win, with Barshop predicting a 28-24 Tennessee win and Davenport seeing the Titans coming out with a 31-24 victory.
Barshop’s bold prediction was a fifth consecutive game of over 100 rushing yards for running back Derrick Henry.
“Titans running back Derrick Henry will show just how much the Texans miss J.J. Watt,” she wrote. “Henry has topped 100 rushing yards in four consecutive games and does so again on Sunday.”
The Titans and Texans are scheduled to kick off at noon CT in Nissan Stadium.
