It’s come down to this.
Titans-Texans.
If the Titans pull out a win, they’ll guarantee themselves the chance to play January football.
If they lose their path to the playoffs gets dicey.
If the Titans lose, they’ll need a loss from both Pittsburgh and Indianapolis to secure a playoff berth, but I’m sure the Titans are a little tired of relying on help from others team to propel their own goals.
But now for the actual game, which means something for their opponent as well, the Houston Texans.
Let’s talk about it.
1. Derrick Henry Is Back & Ready to Go
When Henry was made inactive last week, some thought it was due to some sort of setback with Henry’s lingering hamstring injury.
However, once we found out about the lack of playoff meaning for the Titans in that game, it made sense to sit Henry and let his hamstring heal for just a little bit more.
Now, with the Titans facing a win and in scenario, Henry’s services will be greatly needed.
Henry knows this as well, as he confirmed himself of his intentions to play today in Houston.
All eyes will be on Henry and how his hamstring holds up during the day. If his hamstring holds up, and we see the violent running style early on, I believe he’ll have a great shot of carrying the Titans to another win.
Still though, a lot of ifs.
2. Who Will The Titans See At Quarterback?
I mentioned earlier that this game still has some meaning for the Texans. If they win, and the Chiefs lose, they’ll secure the 3rd overall seed in the AFC playoffs.
However, the Chiefs are playing a home game against a middling Los Angeles Chargers team, so banking on a Chiefs loss won’t be your best bet.
That’s why the idea of sitting important players like Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins seems so enticing.
With the Chiefs playing at noon, by the time the clock hits 3-3:30 in Houston, the Texans should know what they’re playing for against the Titans.
If the Texans decide to sit Watson, the Titans will be tasked with shutting down Watson’s backup, AJ McCarron.
I’m sure the Titans, while not underestimating McCarron, will be licking their chops at the idea of him running the Texans’ offense today.
UPDATE:
One note for Sunday: The #Vikings are planning to rest their key starters and the #Texans won’t take any chances, either. Expect both to have several starters on the sidelines even if they aren’t inactive. Smart with little or nothing to play for.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2019
Flip the page for more