How the Titans stack up against the Jaguars, Colts and Texans in the AFC South
Houston Texans
The Titans split the season series with the Texans in 2019, and both teams ended up in the postseason. The Texans did however trade their star, Deandre Hopkins, and replaced him with an expensive, aging Randall Cobb, and an injury-prone Brandin Cooks.
It’s always a tough matchup when these teams play, regardless of how it looks on paper. Let’s start by comparing the Quarterback position.
Quarterback:
Ryan Tannehill has the Comeback Player of the Year Award on his shelf, but Deshaun Watson is a star. Yes, Tannehill had an amazing 2019, but let’s not overthink this one. Watson is clearly the better QB at this point, but if Tannehill has a repeat of 2019, the gap between the two might be closer than it seems.
Edge: Texans
Running Back:
The Texans traded for David Johnson, at the expense of Deandre Hopkins. But since it’s not 2016 anymore, David Johnson shouldn’t scare anyone. The Titans on the other hand, have arguably the best running back in football: Derrick Henry. Henry was the leading rusher in 2019, in addition to being named to the Pro Bowl. Titans get the edge here.
Edge: Titans
Wide Receiver:
Last year, this position would’ve been an easy win for the Texans. But with Hopkins in the NFC West now, the Titans might have the edge. Hopkins was replaced by Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks. The Texans also have Kenny Stills and Will Fuller, so basically three receivers who do the exact same thing for an offense. The Titans are not as deep at the WR position but are definitely better at the top. AJ Brown could be the next stud receiver, and Adam Humphries and Corey Davis make for a solid top three.
Edge: Titans
Tight End:
Neither team has a bonafide star here. Jonnu Smith was solid in 2019 and looks poised to take over the Tight End position in Nashville for a long time. The Texans have Darren Fells and Jordan Thomas. Fells is a journeyman and Thomas is a former 6th-round pick who has 21 receptions in his first two seasons. Jonnu gets the win.
Edge: Titans
Offensive Line:
Another position group where neither team is loaded. The Texans made Laremy Tunsil the highest-paid lineman in history, but the rest of the line leaves a lot to be desired. The Titans meanwhile, let Jack Conklin leave in Free Agency, and will rely on the young Isaiah Wilson and Nate Davis to step up at their positions. Neither line is great, neither line is terrible.
Edge: Draw
Defensive Line:
The Texans lost big nose tackle DJ Reader to the Bengals, but they still have JJ Watt. Tennessee has Big Jeff, but he’s no Watt, at least not yet. For now, I’ll give the edge to the Texans d-line, assuming Watt is healthy.
Edge: Texans
Linebackers:
I’m not sure there’s a middle linebacker duo in the NFL I would choose over the Titans’ Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans. The Texans’ pairing of Bernardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham is nothing to scoff at, however. Throw in edge backers Brennan Scarlett and Whitney Mercilus, and the Texans have an admirable LB core. Tennessee will deploy Harold Landry III and Vic Beasley on the edge. While the Titans have the potential, the Texans have the experience.
Edge: Texans
Secondary:
The Titans added former Texan Johnathan Joseph, and he will join Kristian Fulton, Adoree Jackson, and Malcolm Butler. These corners will be backed up by safeties Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard. Meanwhile, the Texans secondary is made up of former high draft picks who were given up on by the teams that drafted them. Titans easily get the edge here.