A rivalry with history.
When the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans meet, there is usually little need for extra motivation.
These two teams have exchanged blows regularly in recent years, with Tennessee taking the upper hand more often than not.
The Titans built that edge on toughness at the line of scrimmage, while Houston relied on flashes from its younger stars.
Last season the Texans did grab a memorable win in Nashville, a night when C.J. Stroud kept his cool against the odds.
That reminder of what Houston can be will matter tomorrow, because both sides are searching for momentum in 2025.
Current form
The Texans have stumbled out of the gate, still wrestling with offensive line problems that refuse to go away.
Stroud has looked unsettled at times, not because of a lack of ability but because the pocket rarely stays clean.
Drives have broken down too easily, leaving the defence to shoulder far too much of the workload.
The Titans are hardly flying either. They have leaned on rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who is still learning the pace of the NFL, and the results have been mixed.
At their best, they slow the game down with short passes and a steady ground attack. At their worst, they struggle to keep up once forced to chase points.
What Houston must do
For Houston, the formula is not complicated.
Keep Stroud upright, get the ball out quickly, and find some rhythm in the run game.
When the Texans play with balance, the passing attack suddenly looks sharper and the receivers become dangerous. Defensively, pressure will be key.
Ward has shown flashes but also signs of inexperience, and Houston’s front can rattle him if it gets early success.
That would turn the game in the Texans’ favour, especially at home.
Where the danger lies
The Titans remain physical up front and will look to test Houston’s stamina.
If the Texans defence spends too long on the field, Tennessee will look to wear it down with long, grinding drives.
Receivers like Calvin Ridley can also punish lapses in coverage, so discipline at the back will be vital.
Prediction
This match-up feels like it will be decided in the trenches.
If Houston protects Stroud even reasonably well, the Texans should have enough to edge it.
If not, the game tips toward a Titans side that thrives when contests become scrappy.
The call here is for a close Houston win by a single score, a result that would steady nerves and remind fans that progress is still possible.
