Titans vs Texans NFL Week 12 Spread & Betting Analysis

The Tennessee Titans actually began their existence as a football franchise in Houston, as the Oilers in the American Football League. The Oilers won the first two AFL titles and joined the NFL when the two leagues merged in 1970. Because of issues having a new stadium built, the Oilers left Houston and the aging Astrodome behind in 1997, heading to Tennessee. They played in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis for one season and then played at Vanderbilt Stadium for the next season while their home stadium was finishing construction. They kept the nickname “Oilers” until the 1999 season, when they moved into what is now known as Nissan Stadium and became the Titans. On Monday night, they return to their roots and take on the Houston Texans in an AFC South game. The Titans have had a roller-coaster season, losing to the likes of Buffalo but also picking up convincing wins at Dallas and at home against New England, routing the Patriots by 24 — before getting trounced, 38-10, in Indianapolis last week. Check out our NFL betting perspectives on their tilt with the division-leading Texans.

Titans vs Texans NFL Week 12 Spread & Betting Analysis

GM Jon Robinson breaks down the #Thanksgiving week preparation for Monday Night Football. #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/aUN5cuYtxe

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 22, 2018

When: Monday, November 26, 2018 8:15pm ET Where: NRG Stadium, Houston TV: ESPN Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Week 12 Odds: Houston -5.5, O/U 41.5

Why should you bet on the Titans?

Despite that big Monday-night win in Dallas, Tennessee has still dropped three of five on the road. The Titans’ offense has been quite inconsistent, as Marcus Mariota still has just seven touchdown passes on the year — along with six picks, throwing for just 1,583 yards through ten games. Tailback Dion Lewis leads the running game with 420 yards and a score, and he has also been one of the team’s top receivers coming out of the backfield. The strength of the Titans is their defense, which has held opponents to just 18.9 points per game. Tennessee has covered in seven consecutive Monday Night Football appearances and six of their last seven games against AFC South opponents. Also, Houston has just covered once in their last six games at NRG STadium and just twice in their last 12 games on Monday night. So while Houston has been winning big, they haven’t been helping  bettors much along the way.

Why should you put your money on the Texans?

Houston looked dead in the water after their 0-3 start, but since they have reeled off seven wins in a row and lead the AFC South by two games. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown for 2,597 yards and 18 scores against nine picks with at least two scoring passes in 10 of his lat 15 contests. DeAndre Hopkins has been his go-to receiver, combining with Keke Coutee for over 1200 passing yards and nine scores. Lamar Miller has done enough to give the Texans balance on offense, rumbling for 611 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Texans’ defense has remained a real strength, led by Benardrick McKinney’s 70 tackles and J.J. Watt’s 10 sacks. Houston has covered in each of their last four games against Tennessee at home — but just four times in their last 15 meetings overall. Tennessee looked terrific after the bye until they ran into the Colts last week. Mariota continues to struggle with injuries, now bedeviled by an elbow problem. With the Texans’ stout defense, they should be able to limit what either Mariota or his backup can accomplish.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I’ve been a big Mariota fan since his days at Oregon, but injury woes this season and what seems like a conservative offensive scheme (combined with an iffy show from the O-line) have combined to keep the Titans from doing much with the ball. Houston has the real deal in Deshaun Watson and should roll at home. I predict a final score of Houston 27, Tennessee 19.