Titans vs. Texans predictions: Staff picks for Week 17

The Houston Texans will host the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday in Week 17 for what will be a crucial game for the Titans.

While the Texans have long been eliminated from playoff contention, the Titans are looking to secure the AFC South crown and a postseason berth, which can both be achieved simply by beating the Texans.

However, the Titans could go from the driver’s seat to missing the playoffs entirely if they fall victim to an upset at the hands of their division rival.

In Week 16, our entire staff missed the mark, as all of our writers picked Tennessee to beat the Green Bay Packers. Let’s see where things sit in our standings going into Week 17:

1. Mike Moraitis (10-5, .667)

2. Shaun Calderon (5-3, .625)

3. John Lowell (9-6, .600)

4. Crissy Froyd (8-7, .533)

With the Titans being sizable favorites over the Texans for Week 17, will anyone on our staff be bold enough to pick Houston? Let’s find out.

Mike Moraitis' prediction (10-5)

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The Titans didn't come this far to have their season ruined by a Texans team with nothing to play for other than an opportunity to play spoiler. Tennessee's offense stubbed its toe last week, but this is a perfect bounce-back spot against a Houston defense that can't stop the run or pass. While Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill will feast, both will fall just short of 2,000 and 4,000 yards, respectively. Meanwhile, Corey Davis and A.J. Brown both get enough yards to surpass 1,000 for the season. But milestones aren't what's important here, winning is. Tennessee and Houston will run close for much of three quarters thanks to Deshaun Watson, but look for the Titans to pull away late, securing their first division crown since 2008. Final score: Titans 41, Texans 31

Shaun Calderon's prediction (5-3)

AP Photo/Wade Payne

There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and the Tennessee Titans playing meaningful football in Week 17. The Titans have the opportunity to win their first division championship since 2008. Tennessee will have to beat a motivated Houston Texans team that wants to play the spoiler role as they head into a pivotal offseason of their own. With that said, if the Titans do not take down this 4-11 Texans team, they really deserve any consequences that should follow. However, I expect a statement game from Derrick Henry as he becomes the eighth member of the illustrious 2000-yard club, while the Titans become division champions. Final score: Titans 35, Texans 24

John Lowell's prediction (9-6)

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Please give the ball to Derrick Henry. Strike fast, strike hard, and beat down the Texans on Sunday afternoon. The Titans will win, and they will go to the playoffs; I pray to the Kingdom of Henry. I'm just speaking it into existence, pardon me. The Titans have a chance to win the division for the first time since 2008. They better not blow it. Final score: Titans 35, Texans 24

Crissy Froyd's prediction (8-7)

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What a season it’s been for the Titans, despite the fact Tennessee dropped an ugly one to Green Bay in its most recent appearance. Even at 10-5, the Titans’ playoff picture is very much affected by this last game, and they’re going to have to stay consistent on defense and make things happen in the red zone against their division rival to make sure they get their 11th win of the year. They do have the clear edge here, though, and we’re sure Derrick Henry will come through like he so often does. Final score: Titans 34, Texans 24