C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. Lead Texans to Victory Over Titans

The Houston Texans will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive Sunday afternoon during a Week 17 contest against the Titans.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will play their final home game of the regular season on Sunday during an AFC South battle against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. 

C.J. Stroud will return to the field after missing the previous two games due to a concession. The game will also mark the first meeting between Titans' rookie quarterback Will Levis, the second-round pick is returning to the field after missing the previous game due to an ankle injury.

The Texans are still in play for the AFC South crown and a Wild Card spot but need a win to keep those chances high. Stroud's presence should help, with 3,631 yards passing and 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions on the season.

The Titans have been out of the playoff picture for quite some time, but now look to play the role of spoiler for their division rival.

“We’ve got to appreciate the work that we put in, but at the same time, just get one at a time,” Stroud said. “I want to keep building for hopefully making the playoffs and that’s definitely the goal and just go from there.”

WHAT: Tennessee Titans (5-10, 1-6 Road) at Houston Texans (8-7, 5-3 Home)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (71,995)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Texans -4.5

TOTAL: 43.5

MONEYLINE: Titans +175, Texans -213

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

1st Quarter:

The Titans received the ball first. Three and out to begin the game. 

Punt

With Stroud taking his first offensive snap in two weeks, he led the Texans in 13 plays, where they recorded 58 yards. Stroud completed five of his first seven attempts for 38 yards. Ka'imi Fairbairn finished the drive with a 28-yard field goal.

Texans 3, Titans 0

The Titans recorded 27 yards in nine plays during their latest offensive drive. 

Punt

End of 1st

2nd Quarter:

The Texans had a three-and-out recorded during their latest drive until linebacker Caleb Murphy was flagged for hitting Houston's punter Cam Johnston. With a second chance, the Texans recorded 89 yards in 14 plays. The drive ended with Stroud finding tight end Brevin Jordan for a 12-yard touchdown. 

Texans 10, Titans 0

On the first play of the Titans' offensive drive, Houston recorded a defensive touchdown scored by Sheldon Rankins, who recovered a sack-fumble made by Jerry Hughes.

Texans 17, Titans 0

Three and out for the Titans.

Punt

The Texans were able to add to their lead following a 38-yard field goal. 

Texans 20, Titans 0

Another three and out for the Titans. 

Punt

Three and out for the Texans. 

Punt

The Titans were able to record their first points of the game with a 53-yard field goal made by kicker Nick Folk. 

Texans 20, Titans 3

Halftime

3rd Quarter

The Texans began the second half by recording 71 yards in 12 plays to get deep within the Titans' territory. However, the Titans held Houston to three consecutive stops, forcing the Texans to settle for a 27-yard field goal. 

Texans 23, Titans 3

The Titans got into the Texans' territory by recording 71 yards. But despite getting into scoring position, the Texans had their best defensive drive in the red zone with eight consecutive stops. A roughing of the passer penalty called on Desmond King led to an automatic first down for the Titans.

Turnover on down

End of 3rd

4th quarter

The Texans recorded 37 yards in 11 plays. 

Punt

The Titans recorded 25 yards in six plays. Tennessee's offensive drive ended with a sack made by Derek Barnett. 

Turnover on down

The Texans extended their lead to 23 points following a 51-yard field goal. 

Texans 26, Titans 3

Three and out for the Titans. 

Punt

Three and out for the Texans. 

Punt

The Titans recorded 11 yards in two plays. 

End of Game