Texans vs Titans Pick for NFL Week 18 Betting Analysis & Score

As we prepare for the exciting Texans vs Titans pick for the 2025 NFL Week 18, the Houston Texans, already crowned AFC South champions and locked into the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, face the Tennessee Titans, who are playing out a disappointing season with a 3-13 record and are focused more on improving their draft position than on securing a win in this matchup. With both teams having little at stake, this game will likely be determined by individual performances and momentum heading into the offseason.

Betting Texans vs Titans Pick for the 2025 NFL Week 18
AFC East Showdown: Texans vs. Titans – Waiting for that Upset?

2025 NFL Season | 104th season of National League in the United States
Week 18: Saturday, January 4th – Sunday, January 5th, 2025

Betting 2025 Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans Week 18 Game

The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans meet in Week 18 to close out the regular season.

The Texans, already crowned AFC South champions, are locked into the No. 4 seed in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Titans are playing out a forgettable season, holding a 3-13 record and vying for better draft position.

Houston enters as slight underdogs, but with both teams having little at stake, the focus shifts to individual performances and potential momentum heading into the offseason.

Houston is coming off a 31-2 blowout loss to Baltimore on NFL Christmas Day.

DeMeco Ryans has stated that his starters, including quarterback CJ Stroud, will play, though their participation may be limited.

Tennessee, at 2-14 against the spread this season, has been a risky team to back.

With a dismal offense and a defense ranked 30th in points allowed, the Titans will rely on players like Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard to end their season on a high note.

NFL Week 18 Showdown: Houston Texans (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-13)
Sunday, January 5th, 2025 at 1:00 PM EST CBS | Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

ATS Odds: Tennessee -1.5
Money line Odds: Houston +104 / Tennessee -127
Over/Under Odds: 37

Writer’s Pick for the Texans vs Titans Game Starting Sunday’s Round of Action

Betting Texans Line to Win the Game

The Texans secured the AFC South title with a balanced season led by second-year quarterback CJ Stroud.

While Stroud has taken a slight step back from his rookie campaign, his 3,677 passing yards and 19 touchdowns still highlight his potential as a franchise cornerstone.

However, the Texans have struggled offensively in recent weeks, scoring just 20 total points across their last two games.

Houston’s defense has been a bright spot, ranking seventh in opponent yards per game and sixth against the pass.

Rookie Will Anderson Jr. has made an immediate impact with 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, showcasing his potential as a defensive anchor.

The Texans will look to establish a rhythm heading into the playoffs, balancing cautious play with the need to regain momentum after two consecutive losses.

Betting Titans Line to Win the Game

The Titans have endured a season to forget, marked by struggles on both sides of the ball.

Tennessee ranks 25th in points per game and 28th in total offense, with quarterback play being a major issue.

Will Levis and Mason Rudolph have split time under center, combining for 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

The bright spot on offense has been wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who is just shy of 1,000 receiving yards on the season.

Defensively, the Titans excel against the pass, ranking second in the league.

However, their 30th-ranked scoring defense highlights their inability to prevent opponents from capitalizing on opportunities.

Jeffery Simmons and Amani Hooker have been defensive standouts, but the team’s overall inconsistency has made it difficult to stay competitive.

Tennessee will need to lean on its stars to have a shot at ending the NFL season on a positive note.

Key Players to Watch

CJ Stroud, Texans QB

Stroud has had an up-and-down second season, but he remains the focal point of Houston’s offense.

With nearly 3,700 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, his ability to lead the Texans into the playoffs will be crucial.

Stroud’s decision-making will be tested against Tennessee’s stout secondary, and his performance could set the tone for the postseason.

The Texans may limit Stroud’s snaps in this game, but his time on the field will be critical for regaining confidence after two rough outings.

If Stroud can connect with his top targets, such as Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz, the Texans should have no trouble moving the ball against a vulnerable Titans defense. (Remember to check this out: Betting NFL Week 18 Quarterbacks Picks)

Calvin Ridley, Titans WR

Ridley has been a rare bright spot in Tennessee’s offense, leading the team with 941 receiving yards.

The veteran wideout has a chance to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in this game, providing a personal milestone in an otherwise disappointing season for the Titans.

His ability to create separation and make big plays downfield makes him a critical target for both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph.

Against Houston’s sixth-ranked pass defense, Ridley will face a tough challenge.

However, his recent performances\u201478 and 84 receiving yards in the last two games\u2014show he’s capable of making an impact even against strong secondaries.

Ridley’s play could determine whether Tennessee’s offense finds any rhythm.

Will Anderson Jr., Texans DE

Anderson has lived up to his billing as a top draft pick, becoming a disruptive force on Houston’s defensive line.

With 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, he has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and disrupted running games.

His ability to dominate the line of scrimmage could spell trouble for Tennessee’s struggling offense.

Against the Titans’ inconsistent offensive line, Anderson has an opportunity to finish his rookie season with a statement game.

His pass-rushing ability will be key to containing Tennessee’s quarterbacks and forcing mistakes that Houston can capitalize on.

Tony Pollard, Titans RB

Pollard has been the Titans’ most reliable offensive weapon, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards despite missing time with injuries.

His combination of speed and power makes him a threat on any play, and his presence provides some stability to Tennessee’s otherwise shaky offense.

The Texans rank 12th against the run, making Pollard’s performance crucial for the Titans.

If he can break through for big gains, it could open up opportunities for the passing game and keep Tennessee competitive in what could otherwise be a low-scoring affair.

Betting Texans vs Titans Pick & Score Prediction

This game features two teams with very different motivations.

The Texans have already secured their playoff spot and may prioritize health over performance, while the Titans are playing for pride and potential draft implications. (Check this out: NFL playoff history of teams post-playoffs)

Houston’s starters should give them the edge early, but if they sit key players in the second half, Tennessee could keep it close.

Ultimately, Houston’s defensive advantage and offensive firepower with CJ Stroud on the field make them the better pick.

Tennessee’s dismal record against the spread (2-14) is hard to ignore, and their offensive struggles make it unlikely they can outlast the Texans.

Score Prediction: Texans 20, Titans 13

NFL ML Pick: Houston +104
NFL Total Pick: Under 37

Bet the NFL Week 18 Games | NFL Live Betting MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

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Houston at Tennessee Betting Trends Today

Tennessee has covered the spread only twice in 16 opportunities this season.
The Titans don’t have a win ATS (0-4) as a 1.5-point favorite or greater this season.
Tennessee games have gone over the point total on nine of 16 occasions (56.2%). Houston has six wins in 16 contests against the spread this season.
The Texans have two wins ATS (2-3) as a 1.5-point underdog or greater this season.
This season, six of Houston’s 16 games have gone over the point total.

(Check out: NFL ATS Week 18 betting picks, that’s a rundown on to the top games.)

The Bills are going to rest their starters vs the Pats in Week 18, setting up a GOLDEN opportunity for the Titans to secure a #1 pick if the Pats WIN and the #Titans lose against the Texans.

If the Titans beat the Texans, they would drop to 7 in the draft.

NO BRAINER HERE!
— Titans Rossi! (@TitansRossi) December 31, 2024

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Is there a Rivalry between Texans vs Titans? Let’s Find Out

Yes, there is a rivalry between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, but it’s relatively young compared to some of the NFL’s longest-standing rivalries.

The rivalry stems from both teams being in the AFC South division, which automatically creates a competitive atmosphere. However, the intensity of this rivalry has grown over the years due to the teams’ competitive battles for division titles, playoff spots, and the historical context surrounding their matchups.

Key Factors Behind the Rivalry:

Division Rivals:
The Texans and Titans are in the same division—the AFC South—which guarantees that they face each other twice a season.
This alone breeds a natural sense of competition, as each game has playoff and divisional implications.
The rivalry picked up steam after the Texans joined the league in 2002, following the Titans’ move to Tennessee from Houston, where the team had originally been known as the Houston Oilers.
Relocation of the Oilers:
The rivalry has a deeper historical layer due to the fact that the Titans were once the Houston Oilers, a team that played in Houston from 1960 until they relocated to Tennessee in 1997.
For many Texans fans, the Titans are viewed as a remnant of the Oilers’ legacy, creating an extra emotional component to the matchups.
The fact that the Oilers left Houston for Nashville still stirs up resentment among some fans, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
Competitive Divisional Battles:
Both teams have had stretches of competitiveness within the AFC South, with the Titans historically being one of the division’s top teams, particularly during the early 2000s.
The Texans, while initially struggling in their early years, have since become a strong contender in the AFC South, especially in recent seasons with the rise of Deshaun Watson and now CJ Stroud.
The divisional competition, especially for the playoffs, has intensified their meetings.
Playoff Implications & Close Games:
When the Texans and Titans meet, it’s often a high-stakes affair with playoff spots, seeding, and division titles on the line.
Some of their recent games have been critical in deciding the AFC South champion, making these matchups even more meaningful.
These games tend to be hard-fought, with close finishes that add fuel to the rivalry.
Physical Style of Play:
Both teams play a tough, physical brand of football, which adds another dimension to their rivalry.
The Titans are known for their strong running game and smash-mouth football, and the Texans, historically, have relied on tough defense and effective ground games as well.
These physical confrontations on the field give the rivalry an edge.
Memorable Moments:
- In 2011, the Texans clinched their first AFC South title in a win over the Titans.
- The 2019 season also featured high drama between the two, with both teams competing for the division title, and the Texans winning crucial late-season games.
- The 2020 season had a notable Week 17 game in which the Texans, already out of playoff contention, spoiled Tennessee’s chances of clinching a higher seed in the playoffs.

Recent Developments:

2019-2020:
The Texans and Titans played some intense matchups in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. In 2020, Tennessee clinched the AFC South title while the Texans struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances.
Titans’ Rise:
The Titans have been one of the more successful AFC South teams in recent years, making the playoffs regularly, while the Texans have been in a rebuilding phase after trading away key players like DeAndre Hopkins.
2022-2023:
The rivalry heated up again as both teams had playoff aspirations. The Texans, despite being in a rebuilding phase, played the role of spoilers at times, while the Titans continued their push for division titles.

Fanbase & Regional Impact:

While the Titans have the advantage of being the longer-established team in Nashville, the Texans’ fan base in Houston is very passionate, especially considering the history of the Oilers’ relocation. Fans from both cities view these matchups as a way to stake their claim as the superior franchise, adding an extra layer of rivalry to each game.

Texans vs Titans Rivalry: Much More to Come

While the Texans vs Titans rivalry might not have the same deep-rooted history as other rivalries in the NFL, the combination of divisional matchups, the history of the Oilers’ relocation, and the recent competitive seasons has made this rivalry an intriguing and often intense one.

The future looks promising for this rivalry, especially if both teams continue to improve and challenge for playoff spots in the same division.

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