The streaking Texans are gunning for a team-record eighth straight victory on Monday and can avenge an early-season defeat in Tennessee when they take on the Titans on national television.
Tennessee Titans (5-5) @ Houston Texans (7-3) (0115 GMT)
The streaking Texans are gunning for a team-record eighth straight victory on Monday and can avenge an early-season defeat in Tennessee when they take on the Titans on national television.
The Titans used a fake punt and the wildcard formation to trick their way to victory in week two, but after starting 0-3 Houston have since reeled off seven straight victories to lead the division by a couple of games.
Tennessee beat the Cowboys and Patriots to breathe life into their season, then the wheels came off with a thumping by the Colts, leaving them 5-5 and in a crowded AFC wildcard picture.
Houston are 3.5-point favourites, they probably should be more based on their talent and confidence, but close games have been a theme as they’ve had back-to-back two-point wins and have two other victories by three points.
The Titans have made their name in tough defence this season, but Texans QB Deshaun Watson is a big-game player and his star receiver DeAndre Hopkins has feasted on the Titans in recent games.
Hopkins has seven touchdowns against Tennessee to go along with 72 catches for 1,120 yards, which all represent his career best against a single opponent.
Stopping Hopkins must be a priority for the Titans, but they’re much better against the run than the pass, which is a similar theme for Houston but Marcus Mariota doesn’t have the same weapons Watson has at his disposal.
It should be a tough game with plenty of big hits but the hosts are on a great run, with plenty of confidence, and are playing at home so preference has to go with Houston.
Verdict: Houston Texans to win (-3.5) at 5/6
Touchdowns: DeAndre Hopkins to score first at 6/1
Next best: Demaryius Thomas anytime TD at 100/30
