Reasons the Titans Can Win Against Each AFC Playoff Team
By Brady Akins
Houston Texans
Tennessee learned a lot about the Houston Texans in their Week 15 game. And even in defeat, the Titans proved that they are more than capable of competing against their division rival.
Perhaps more than anything, Tennessee learned they have the ability to keep the Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins in check when they dedicate two players to covering him.
Giving this kind of attention to one player opened up the passing game for Texans receivers Kenny Stills and Will Fuller, but injuries have caught up to Houston in the past weeks, and Fuller will head into the playoffs dealing with a groin injury that could limit him if the Texans cross paths with the Titans.
Limiting Fuller and minimizing Hopkins’ impact would be devastating for Houston’s passing attack, especially if the Titans can get Adoree Jackson back from injury for the playoffs.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Texans have been one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL all season, and had a hard time slowing down the Titans emerging rookie receiver A.J. Brown in both games against Tennessee.
If the Titans could control the passing game on both offense and defense against Houston, the Texans would be in for a long day.