NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Houston Texans accomplished what Coach DeMeco Ryans aimed for during their visit to Nashville, securing a victory and keeping their roster healthy ahead of hosting a wild-card playoff game. C.J. Stroud had a perfect start, hitting all six of his passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on the Texans’ initial drive before taking a seat. The Texans ended their two-game losing streak with a 23-14 triumph over the Tennessee Titans.
This win saw the Texans (10-7) avoid being swept by their former rivals and marked their first victory since clinching their second consecutive AFC South title on December 15 against Miami. “We’ve earned the right to play postseason football, which has always been our goal, and now we’re looking forward to the next opportunity, even though we aren’t sure who we’ll face yet,” Ryans stated.
Houston had to wait to discover their playoff opponent, ultimately learning they will host the Los Angeles Chargers, who secured a 34-20 win over the Raiders on the same day, earning the No. 5 seed. Following the game, the Texans chose to keep the locker room quiet with no televisions present.
“This victory gives us great momentum heading into next week, and I feel like we really needed that home-field advantage,” remarked Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, emphasizing the excitement of preparing for another home game. “There’s no better feeling than that.”
Following the loss, compounded by New England’s victory over Buffalo, the Titans’ difficult season ended with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Their 3-14 record ties with 2014 for the most losses in a single season since the franchise’s relocation from Texas to Tennessee in 1997. “It’s not a position I ever want to find myself in again,” shared first-year Titans coach Brian Callahan about owning the top pick.
Ryans indicated that he would determine how long to keep his starters on the field depending on how the game unfolded. Stroud orchestrated an 11-play drive consuming 7:17, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass to Collins, giving Houston a lead they would not relinquish. Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon carried the ball five times during that drive before exiting the game, transforming into a supporter on the sidelines as Dameon Pierce made a remarkable 92-yard run for his second rushing touchdown of the season. This occurred early in the second quarter, extending the Texans’ lead to 13-0. Pierce finished the game with a career-best 176 rushing yards while Mixon surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth time in his career, finishing with 23 yards.
One of the loudest cheers from a sparse, rain-soaked crowd erupted when they witnessed former University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton’s 48-yard touchdown pass that had the Patriots leading 14-7, showcased on the stadium’s video screen. Ka’imi Fairbairn capped the first half with a 27-yard field goal, increasing the Texans’ lead to 16-3.
The Titans gave second-year quarterback Will Levis his 12th start of the season, fulfilling Callahan’s promise to rotate quarterbacks by introducing veteran Mason Rudolph on their fourth possession. Rudolph managed to lead the Titans to two field goals courtesy of Matthew Wright. Levis ultimately had a decent performance despite a fumble due to a botched handoff, finishing with 175 passing yards and delivering a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tay Martin with just 2:41 remaining in the game.
A significant moment came early in the fourth quarter when defensive end Derek Barnett capitalized on a fumbled handoff between Levis and Tony Pollard, returning the ball 36 yards for a touchdown, extending Houston’s lead to 23-6. This marked Barnett’s second such touchdown return this season, and he added a sack to his performance. The defensive player not only played at the University of Tennessee but also had a high school career in a Nashville suburb.
With the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Titans will face critical decisions moving forward. In 2016, the Titans had the last overall selection, trading it away to acquire several future All-Pro players, including Derrick Henry. Whether Levis retains his position as the starting quarterback after being taken 33rd overall in the 2023 draft is a pivotal factor for the team’s future. “I believe I’m the quarterback this team needs to reach the levels we aim for, but the decision is in their hands,” Levis remarked.
Injuries became a concern during the game; Texans receiver John Metchie is under evaluation for a concussion sustained on an incompletion late in the third quarter, which drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness. Linebacker Jake Hansen also injured his ankle. For the Titans, tight end Chig Okonkwo aggravated an abdominal injury early in the first quarter.
Next up for Houston is the aim of winning their second consecutive wild-card game under Coach Ryans. Meanwhile, Tennessee heads into the offseason having lost six straight games and eight of their last nine under Callahan. With plans for a new $2.2 billion enclosed stadium set to open in 2027 next door, controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk faces the crucial task of determining what changes are necessary for the struggling franchise.
