Stephen Nover NFL Free Saturday Play
(NFL) Houston vs. Tennessee, 12/24/2022 1:00 PM, Score: 19 - 14
Point Spread: -3.00 | -110.00 Tennessee (Home)
Result: Loss
Losers of four in a row, the Titans find themselves in need of a victory to maintain a game lead over the Jaguars in the AFC South Division. Fortunately the Titans draw the Texans, who are 1-12-1 and have lost nine in a row.

The line only is a field goal mainly because Ryan Tannehill is out with an ankle injury. But I see the Titans covering this number thanks to home field, Derrick Henry - who just destroys the Texans - and a coaching edge of Mike Vrabel against Lovie Smith.

Every one of Houston's losses have been by at least three points. The Texans are 1-6 SU, 3-3-1 ATS on the road. Tennessee is 6-1 ATS versus below .500 foes.

Rookie Malik Willis is set to make his third NFL start in relief of Tannehill. He's a game-manager with mobility. Fortunately Willis has the great Henry to ride. Henry has rushed for 200 yards four straight times against Houston. The Titans defeated the Texans, 17-10, in Willis' first start during Week 8. They rode Henry, who produced 219 rushing yards on 32 attempts. Houston ranks last in run defense allowing 167.5 yards.

The Texans are surrendering 28.5 points in their last four games. They've produced strong efforts the last two weeks in near-upsets of the Chiefs and Cowboys. They could be out of gas, though, after those games falling to the Chiefs in overtime and to the Cowboys during the final minute.

Houston ranks in the bottom-four in the major offensive categories. Davis Mills has a history of playing better at home than on the road. He lacks any respectable weapons. The Titans are expected to get back a couple of key defenders in lineman Denico Autry, who is second on the team in sacks behind stud Jeffrey Simmons, and safety Amani Hooker.

It's not likely to be pretty, but look for the Titans to find a way to get this victory.