3 Reasons the Texans Can Play Spoiler and Knock the Titans Out of the Playoffs

The Tennessee Titans are in charge of their own destiny as it pertains to the AFC's final Wild Card spot. A win against Bill O'Brien and the Houston Texans would make them the No. 6 seed in the conference. Derrick Henry is back and the offense is clicking, but the Texans could very easily play spoiler and ruin Tennessee's playoff hopes in Week 17.

3. Texans Defensive Line is Superior to Titans O-Line

Houston Texans DE JJ Watt / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The return of JJ Watt to what was already one of the best defensive lines in the league should be a troubling sight for a Titans team that is really struggling in the trenches of late. Tennessee is tied with Miami and Carolina for the NFL lead with 56 sacks allowed, as Jack Conklin has regressed from All-Pro as a rookie to a complete liability. Watt next to Whitney Mercilus and that elite linebacking crew could make it impossible for any routes deep down the field to develop and will have Ryan Tannehill facing constant pressure.

2. Houston Won in the Previous Matchup

Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

In a classic AFC South barnburner just two weeks ago, Houston rallied for a 24-21 win against Derrick Henry and the Titans in Nashville. Carlos Hyde reeled off a 104-yard performance, while Deshaun Watson found the end zone twice through the air. Houston has shown the toughness and precision required to beat a well-coached Titans team on the road, so playing indoors in Houston with what is sure to be a raucous crowd only decreases Tennessee's chances of grabbing a win against their division foe.

1. Texans Have Advantage at Quarterback

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson / Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is playing the best football of his career, and is leading the NFL in passer rating and yards per attempt. Frankly, he should get some MVP votes. However, he's still not in the same echelon as Watson, who himself continues to show why he is regarded as one of the true budding young gems in the league in another Pro Bowl season. As immaculate as Tannehill has been lately, which quarterback do you trust to win this game if it turns into a shootout or comes down to one late drive?