The Tennessee Titans (8-7) head into their game in Houston knowing that a win locks them into the playoffs, while the Houston Texans (10-5) have a chance to improve their playoff seeding. The game kicks off at NRG Stadium at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.
For the Texans to earn the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs (they are currently seeded No. 4 as AFC South division winners), they’ll need to beat the Titans and have the Los Angeles Chargers to beat an 8.5-point favorite Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs play during Sunday’s early slate, so Texans head coach Bill O’Brien should know by kickoff whether the Texans have anything to play for … which could impact how long he plays his starters.
If the Texans starters see limited action or don’t play, then it would be a monumental disappointment if the Titans lost this game — and control of whether they make the postseason.
We analyze the Titans-Texans odds and sports betting lines while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.
Titans at Texans: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes
Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.
- The Texans beat the Titans 24-21 in Week 15, but the two have split the two-game series each season since 2016.
- RB Derrick Henry has struggled in his career against the Texans: he’s rushed for only 362 yards (51.7 per game) with two touchdowns in seven games against the Texans.
- The Texans have won seven straight home games outright (6-1 against the spread) versus the Titans
- The home team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.
- Titans are 8-2 on the over/under in their last 10 games.
- The Titans have scored 20+ points in each game QB Ryan Tannehill has started (6-3).
Titans at Texans: Key injuries
Titans: WR Adam Humphries (ankle) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (foot) were among those who did not practice. The Titans missed RB Derrick Henry (hamstring) last week in their 38-28 loss to the New Orleans Saints, but he’s on track to play in Week 17 against the Texans.
Texans: WR Will Fuller (groin) hasn’t practiced this week and is expected to miss the game. Numerous Texans starters were limited in practice this week, as well, including QB Deshaun Watson (back), WR DeAndre Hopkins (illness), WR Kenny Stills (knee), T Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and CB Bradley Roby (hamstring).
Titans at Texans: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at noon ET.
Prediction
Titans 29, Texans 10
Moneyline (?)
I LOVE the TITANS -182 moneyline because it’s guaranteed that the Titans play all of their starters whereas it’s not with the Texans. In Week 15, the Titans outgained the Texans (432-374) and had more first downs, 24-23. A fluke Tannehill interception in the red zone, which lead to a Texans touchdown, was the major turning point that I will not factor in when handicapping this Week 17 matchup. BET TITANS -182.
New to sports betting? Every $182 wagered on the Titans to win straight up would profit $100 if the Titans win. A successful $10 wager on the Titans to win the game would return $5.49.
Against the Spread (?)
Even more so than the moneyline bet, whether the Texans go all out with their starters impacts the point-spread consideration. Of course, the Titans could still cover with the Texans’ starters playing the full 60, but if Watson isn’t out there making magic happen and the Texans trot out backups on a defense that ranks 30th in passing yards allowed per game, then a red-hot Tannehill and the TITANS (-4.5 +110) is a great bet.
Over/Under (?)
I anticipate this will be a one-sided affair with the Titans manhandling the Texans who will eventually sit their best players to preserve them for the playoffs. I don’t see Texans backup QB AJ McCarron and second-stringers having success. However, the likelihood of the Titans having offensive success concerns me. But ultimately I recommend BETTING UNDER 45.5 (-115).
Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]