Texans vs. Titans in Week 16 AFC South Showdown: Malik Willis Starts as Tennessee is a Home Favorite
The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans are set to square off in an AFC South matchup, and there are a few key stats to consider when making your bets.
First, the Titans have struggled against the spread in their last four games, going 0-4. This is a significant drop-off from their previous performance, as they were 8-2 ATS in their previous 10 games.
On the other hand, the Texans have covered the spread in their last two games and have had some success against the Titans, covering the spread in three of their last four meetings against their AFC South rival. However, they have been inconsistent overall, with a 3-6 record against the spread in their last nine games.
Texans vs. Titans Odds, Point Spread, Moneyline, Point Total:
Spread: Titans -4.5 (+120) | Texans +4.5 (-143)
Moneyline: Titans (-167) | Texans (+140)
Point Total: Over 35.5 (-110) | Under 35.5 (-110)
Titans Offense vs. Texans Defense
The injury news regarding Ryan Tannehill does not look good as the Titans already ruled him out for Week 16 and could shut him down for the rest of the season. That means rookie Malik Willis will get the start at quarterback. Regardless of their quarterback, the Titans' offense has struggled all year, averaging 18.2 points per game and ranking 29th in yards per game.
The Texans' defense is by no means an imposing matchup – even against a bad Titans offense. Houston allows 24.6 points per game (seventh-worst average in the NFL) and the third-most yards in the league at 388.9 per game.
The Titans' offensive bright spot is running back Derrick Henry, who is second in the league in rushing yards. Henry could be the difference-maker in this matchup since the Texans are brutally bad when it comes to stopping the run. Houston is allowing a league-worst 167.5 rushing yards per game and the most touchdowns (17) to running backs.
Texans Offense vs. Titans Defense
On offense, the Texans have struggled mightily, ranking 30th in the NFL with just 16.8 points per game. They also rank near the bottom of the league in total yards, averaging a measly 278 per game, which is second worst in the NFL.
Defensively, the Titans have been solid, ranking 12th in the NFL in points allowed with 20.9 per game. They have struggled a bit in terms of yards allowed, ranking 25th at 365 per game. With rookie running back Dameon Pierce on injured reserve, Houston has yet to find its footing on the ground. The team will look for either Dare Ogunbowale, Royce Freeman, or Rex Burkhead to help alleviate some of the pressure on quarterback Davis Mills.
Point Spread Prediction:
With Malik Willis still getting his feet wet in the NFL, it’s really hard to back the Titans laying 4.5 points, yes even against a really bad Texans defense.
Bet: Texans +4.5
Over/Under Point Total Prediction
When these teams face off, the over has been a popular outcome, with it hitting in four of the past six meetings.
Bet: Over 35.5
Given the recent struggles for the Titans when it comes to covering the point spread and the history of these teams putting up enough points to hit the over when going head-to-head is enough to get me to feel confident in these picks.
