The Titans have a chance to play spoiler in the division in the season’s final two games, beginning with the Houston Texans this week and at home against Jacksonville next week. Here’s a look at the Texans matchup:
First down
Levis or no Levis. Will the Titans have their starting quarterback, Will Levis, back under center against the Texans? Levis reinjured his ankle two weeks ago against Houston, causing him to miss his start Sunday against Seattle. On one hand, every rep the rookie can get is valuable. On the other hand, if he isn’t close to being healed, the more prudent move would be to sit him until he is, especially behind a porous offensive line that has yielded 13 sacks the last two games.
Second down
Stroud or no Stroud. Just like the Titans, the Texans have a prized rookie quarterback that they would like to build around. C.J. Stroud has missed the last two games with a concussion and didn’t play against Tennessee in the first meeting. A healthy Stroud might land the Texans in the playoffs ahead of schedule. Otherwise, who knows what Houston will do? Case Keenum, who beat the Titans two weeks ago, was benched for poor play in a loss to Cleveland Sunday.
Third down
Be ready for Tart. The Texans claimed former Titans nose tackle Teair Tart off waivers last week. You can bet that Tart, whose attitude and effort helped hasten his departure from Nashville, will be plenty motivated to do well against his former team. Going up against a Titans offensive line that has struggled, an extra-motivated Tart could be a problem.
Fourth down
Embrace the spoiler role. The Titans don’t have much to play for except pride. However, they have not won a division game this season and still have two chances left to win one, and to perhaps keep the Texans (and the Jaguars in the finale) out of the postseason.
Sunday, December 31 | 1 p.m.
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
TV: FOX Radio: WGOW-AM/FM