How to watch, what to watch for Titans vs. Texans in Week 17

The 10-5 Tennessee Titans have a lot on the line this week with a chance to clinch the AFC South with a win over the 4-11 Houston Texans.

The Titans are coming off a brutal loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers that saw the MVP candidate throw for four touchdowns on the Tennessee defense. The team from the Music City was shut out in the first and fourth quarters and only were able to score 14 total points on a snowy evening. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a less than stellar day, tossing for just 121 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Tenn’s run game was solid though, just like it has been all season, though RB Derrick Henry was held under 100 yards on the day. Coming into this week, they’ve lost three of their last seven games.

As for Houston, this season has been a total mess from the start. Last week they fell just short against the Cincinnati Bengals, losing by 6. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been incredible all season even while working with an underwhelming supporting cast on offenses. On defense, the team gives up over 28 points per game, which is one of the highest totals in the NFL. The Texans come into this matchup having not won a game since Thanksgiving.

TV Info

Date: Sunday, Jan. 3
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Broadcast map

Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)

Titans: #13 Overall — #3 offense, #29 defense, #28 special teams
Texans: #24 Overall — #13 offense, #30 defense, #20 special teams

DraftKings Sportsbook odds

Titans: -7.5, -345
Texans: +7.5, +290
Total: 56.5

Fantasy football start/sit advice

Titans

Jonnu Smith, TE $3,800

Smith has the third-most receiving yards on the team, but the second most scores behind Corey Davis. The opponent this week gives up some of the most passing yards in the NFL per game, 260 on average in 2020. Expect Ryan Tannehill to look at him often.

Ryan Tannehill, QB $7,000

There’s not really a ton of surprise fantasy guys on this lineup. Tannehill should have a big week after a disappointing showing against the Packers last Sunday. The Houston pass defense has been awful all season and when the gameplan moves away from Derrick Henry, the QB from Texas A&M should be able to capitalize.

Texans

Keke Coutee, $5,600

He’s only played in seven games this season but has been solid when given a chance. The former Texas Tech wideout is averaging just 44 yards per game, but he has the ability to break a big play with his speed and ability to make defenders miss tackles.

David Johnson, RB $6,800

He’s had a very underwhelming season so far, but Houston feeds him the ball a ton of times each week. The team wanted him so bad they gave up one of the best receivers in the NFL to get him, so they’re going to continue to try and justify that move. He may not have a great game, but he’ll have plenty of opportunities.