Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans Picks and Predictions January 5th 2025

Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans January 5th 2025

The Texans are favored on the road in their week 18 matchup against the Titans. The Texans’ money line odds are -108, while the Titans are at -112. The game, being played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN, kicks off at 1:00 ET. The Texans are -1 point favorites, and the over/under line is set at 38.5 points. The Texans and Titans are both looking to improve their records in this AFC South matchup. You can catch the game on CBS.

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Houston vs. Tennessee Key Information

Despite their two-game losing streak, the Texans remain atop the AFC South with a 9-7 record. They have a 4-1 record in division games and are 7-4 against conference opponents. Our projections give them a 100% chance of making the playoffs and winning the division. Houston ranks 16th in our NFL power rankings heading into week 18.

Against the spread, the Texans are 6-9-1 this season. They have failed to cover in two straight games, including a 31-12 loss to the Ravens in week 17. Houston was a 6.5-point underdog in that matchup. Their O/U record is 5-10-1, with their games averaging 44.2 points this season.

Heading into week 18, the Texans are 22nd in our offensive power rankings, averaging 21.8 points per game, which ranks 17th in the NFL. They are 21st in yards per game (316.3) and 19th in passing yards per game (209.9) on 33.9 attempts per game. On the ground, Houston ranks 21st in rushing yards per game, with 106.4, on 25.3 attempts per game. They are 18th in the league in both 3rd-down conversions (37.4%) and red zone conversion percentage.

In week 17, the Texans struggled offensively, scoring just 2 points in a 31-2 loss to the Ravens. C.J. Stroud threw for 185 yards on 17/31 passing, with 1 interception and no touchdowns. He was sacked 5 times in the loss. Joe Mixon led the team in rushing with 26 yards on 9 carries, while Nico Collins had 3 catches for 59 yards.

In their 31-2 loss to the Ravens, the Texans’ defense allowed 251 rushing yards on 43 attempts, including a long run of 35 yards. Despite giving up just 181 passing yards, the Texans allowed two passing touchdowns and permitted the Ravens to finish with a 10.6 yards per attempt average. Houston’s offense managed just two points in the game, and the defense struggled to get off the field, allowing the Ravens to convert on 44.4% of their third down attempts.

The Texans’ defense only managed one sack in the game and struggled to generate consistent pressure, as they lost the quarterback hit battle by a margin of -4. Houston’s defense will need to make significant improvements in both run defense and pass rush going forward.

Heading into week 18, the Titans are on a five-game losing streak, dropping their record to 3-13. Tennessee ranks 24th in our NFL power rankings and has been eliminated from playoff contention. They are 4th in the AFC South with a 1-4 division record and are 3-8 in conference games.

The Titans are 2-14 against the spread this season, including five straight ATS losses. They are 0-4 as favorites and 2-10 as underdogs. Their O/U record is 9-6-1, with their games averaging 45.9 points compared to an average line of 41.1.

Heading into week 18, the Titans are 30th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 18.6 points per game, which ranks 24th in the NFL. They are 28th in passing yards per game, with 193, on 31.5 attempts per game. On the ground, they average 110.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 15th, on 26.1 attempts per game. Tennessee has been strong in the red zone, converting 34.9% of their trips, which ranks 9th in the league, and they are 16th in 3rd-down conversions, with a 38% success rate.

Mason Rudolph threw for 193 yards (19/31) and a touchdown in week 17, after a 252-yard, 3-interception game in week 16. Tyjae Spears led the Titans with 95 rushing yards on 20 carries, and Calvin Ridley had 5 catches for 84 yards. Tennessee scored 13 points in week 17, with 7 coming in the 3rd quarter.

In their 20-13 loss to the Jaguars, the Titans’ defense allowed two passing touchdowns and struggled on third downs, allowing the Jaguars to convert 61.5% of their third down attempts. Despite holding Jacksonville to 122 rushing yards on 3.7 yards per attempt, the Titans gave up 173 passing yards on just 15 completions.

Tennessee allowed the Jaguars to gain 7.9 yards per pass attempt and recorded just two sacks while losing the battle in quarterback hits by -2 and in tackles for loss by -4.

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Texans to cover as road favorites in this week 18 matchup between the Texans and Titans. The point spread lines have the Texans at -1, and we have them winning by a score of 24-18.

As for an over/under pick, with the line sitting at 38.5 points, we like the over, projecting a combined score of 42 points.

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Texans Look to Rebound, Titans Eye Season Sweep in Finale

The Houston Texans aim to gain some momentum heading into the playoffs as they visit the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale on Sunday. Despite their playoff berth being locked in, Houston (9-7) hopes to end its two-game losing skid and erase the sting of a lopsided loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Texans Seek Redemption

The Texans’ performance on Christmas Day was lackluster, with the offense failing to score in a 31-2 loss to the Ravens. Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the importance of finishing the regular season on a high note.
“We’ve got to go out and play better football,” Ryans said. “That last outing was not who we are.”

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season. However, injuries to key receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, coupled with shaky offensive line play, have limited his effectiveness. Stroud, who has taken 45 sacks this season, will start despite not being fully healthy.

The Texans’ defense will also look to improve after allowing big plays to Baltimore. With a 1-5 record against teams with winning records, Houston will need to prove it can compete with top-tier opponents.

Titans Play for Pride and Draft Position

The Titans (3-13) are guaranteed to finish last in the AFC South but could secure the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft with a loss. Tennessee has struggled mightily during its five-game losing streak, including a 20-13 defeat to Jacksonville last week.

Head coach Brian Callahan plans to use both Mason Rudolph and Will Levis at quarterback. Levis, who has regressed in his second season with 12 interceptions in 11 games, is eager to prove himself after being benched in favor of Rudolph.
“I only focus on what I can control,” Levis said. “But I know there’s a lot more tape they have to evaluate.”

Turnovers have been a major issue for Tennessee, with its quarterbacks tied for the league lead in interceptions (21).

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

The Texans are dealing with injuries to defensive linemen Denico Autry and Foley Fatukasi, as well as guard Shaq Mason. For Tennessee, running back Tyjae Spears and wide receiver Tyler Boyd headline a lengthy injury report.

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Key Matchup: Levis vs. Stroud

In their last meeting on Nov. 24, the Titans earned a 32-27 victory, with Levis throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud will need to improve on his performance in that game to help Houston avoid a season sweep.

What’s at Stake

For Houston, this game is about confidence heading into the playoffs. For Tennessee, it’s a chance to end a disappointing season on a positive note—or potentially secure the top pick in the draft.