Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans: Week 2 Staff Predictions, 2013

Ben Greene (1-0, Lead Columnist)

Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) leaps over San Diego Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) on a 27-yard reception in the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans 13, Houston Texans 20

There is little chance the Titans’ defense will be as dominant Sunday against the Texans as it was last week against the Steelers. Even though Houston’s offense was underwhelming Monday night against the Chargers, the Texans still mustered 24 points in the game’s final 20 minutes to pull out the win. I predict the Titan defense to limit the Texan offense to below 20 points, especially now that Houston coach Gary Kubiak has announced that Arian Foster will split carries with backup Ben Tate.

However, Tennessee did not dazzle on offense last week and I expect that trend to continue in the Texans’ home opener. Chris Johnson will likely have a better game, but the Titans may be forced to turn away from the run game if they are playing from behind in the second half.

As always, Jake Locker will be the key to Tennessee’s success on Sunday. Last week, he didn’t make any significant mistakes, but barely broke 50 percent passing. This week, I think he will be need to throw the ball more and may be forced into throwing an interception.

(Titans 0, Texans 1)