Running back Derrick Henry gained 211 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Tennessee Titans blew past the resting Houston Texans 35-14 Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The Texans were locked in to the No. 4 seed coming into the game as the New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins, and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers to take the No. 2 seed, the AFC’s final first-round bye.
Quarterback A.J. McCarron filled in for Texans field general Deshaun Watson, going 21-of-36 for 225 yards and an interception.
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill produced 13-of-20 for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee eventually put in backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who completed just one pass on his lone attempt for 24 yards.
Rookie receiver A.J. Brown had a dynamic outing against the Texans as he caught four carries for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Houston’s receiving corps was led by DeAndre Carter, who had six catches for 65 yards. Tight end Jordan Akins also caught five passes for 54 yards. Running back Duke Johnson collected five passes for 45 yards while also rushing four times for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Summary
The Texans rested their starters as the Titans played theirs, and Tennessee out-gained Houston 466 yards to 301 to clinch the final AFC playoff spot.
Turning point
With 9:42 to go in the first quarter, Tannehill connected with tight end MyCole Pruitt, a former Texans player, for a 1-yard touchdown to help take a 14-7 lead. Houston started to pack it in after that.
Unique stat
Titans: RB Derrick Henry rushed for 211 yards to earn his first career NFL rushing title.
Texans: McCarron’s rushing touchdown was the first of his career and the first time since 2015 the Texans had two different QBs rush for a touchdown.
Scoring summary
Tennessee Titans — 7, 7, 7, 14 — 35
Houston Texans — 7, 0, 7, 0 — 14
First quarter
HTX — Johnson 1 run (Fairbairn kick), 7:25
TEN — Brown 51 pass from Tannehill (Joseph kick), 5:33
Second quarter
TEN — Pruitt 1 pass from Tannehill (Joseph kick), 9:42
Third quarter
TEN — Henry 3 run (Joseph kick), 10:06
HTX — McCarron 1 run (Fairbairn kick), 1:09
Fourth quarter
HTX — Henry 1 run (Joseph kick), 14:02
TEN — Henry 53 run (Joseph kick), 2:54
injury report
Titans
- OG Rodger Saffold injured his right leg.
Texans:
- CB Johnathan Joseph: hamstring
Up Next
The Titans will enter the playoffs as the No. 6 seed and play the No. 3 New England Patriots during wild-card weekend (Jan. 4-5) at Gillette Stadium.
The Texans will be the No. 4 seed and host the No. 5 Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium during wild-card weekend.