Texans vs. Titans BREAKING: Rookie Malik Willis 1st Start Over Ryan Tannehill? - How to Watch, Betting Odds

The Texans continue their 2022 NFL campaign against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. ... but a new Titans QB might be the headliner.

A new face is about to enter the rivalry ...

The Houston Texans host division rival Tennessee in Week 8 of the NFL schedule on Sunday at NRG Stadium, and Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis is reportedly set to make his first career start.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Willis took all the starter reps in practice this week as Ryan Tannehill has been dealing with both an illness as well as an ankle sprain.

Tannehill couldn't go on Saturday during the Titans walkthrough, increasing the chances of the first-rounder Willis to be this week's starter.

Otherwise, it'll be a matchup between a Texans defense that allows 164.7 yards rushing per game - and that ranks dead last in the NFL - vs. Titans running back, Derek Henry, who has rushed for 536 yards this season and ranks fourth in the league.

Texans coach Lovie Smith thinks Henry could be one of the best ever one day.

"You just look at the best backs in the league right now, he will be a part of that debate," Smith said. "He's as big as our defensive ends. Has as good of speed as some of our skill guys. 

"Plays hard, pads low to the ground. These are the kind of guys that as I talk about having an opportunity to play against some of the all-time greats, we look forward to competing against him also."

Henry might not be the only star running back to appear on Sunday. Texans back Dameon Pierce has established himself as one of the best in the league this year and ranks sixth in the NFL with 504 yards through seven weeks.

And having said all that ... this might be about Willis ... and about finding ways to stop him now, an in the future within the division.

WHAT: Tennessee Titans (4-2) at Houston Texans  (1-4-1)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, 3:05 p.m. CT

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas (72,200)

TELEVISION: CBS / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: SPORTS RADIO 610 | 100.3 THE BULL | MEGA 101

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Houston Texans +2.5 (+100), Tennessee Titans -2.5 (-118)

TOTAL: 40.5 (o -110, u -110)

MONEYLINE: Texans +125, Titans -150

---

You can follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Need tickets to a future Texans game? Check out SI Tickets!