Fansided

Titans vs Texans Week 4: Odds, trends and more

ByRussell S. Baxter|
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) gets away from a tackle attempt by Oakland Raiders safety Nate Allen (20) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) gets away from a tackle attempt by Oakland Raiders safety Nate Allen (20) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans collide with the Houston Texans on Sunday as both clubs look to rebound from losses in Week 3.

Let’s not bury the lead. When the Houston Texans host the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, the defending AFC South champions are going to be down their three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

According to multiple sources, including Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt will be sidelined “an extended period of time” and may even miss the rest of the season. You will recall that the determined pro had back surgery in July and gave it a go the first three weeks but apparently he has suffered a setback.

Of course, the last time we saw Bill O’Brien’s club, they were being humbled on a Thursday night in Foxborough by the New England Patriots, rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett and sledgehammer running back LeGarrette Blount. Now the team will go forward without their signature performer and it will be interesting to see how the entire club responds. Since being drafted in the first round in 2011, Watt has not missed a game and in 83 regular-season contests had amassed a gaudy 76 sacks. But that’s obviously about to change.

Odds

Line: Texans (-5.5)

Over/Under: 40.5

So the real issue when it comes to this contest is this line, in more ways than one.

What will Houston’s defensive front look like minus the league’s reigning defensive player? And what will the betting line wind up being by the time this game kicks off on early Sunday afternoon? On Monday, the Texans were a 6.5-point favorite (via Odds Shark) but by Wednesday morning it was down to 5.5. Houston covered the line in both of its home wins this season (over Chicago and Kansas City) before being blown out by the New England Patriots.

More fansided.com: NFL Week 4: Power Rankings

So can Mike Mularkey’s take advantage? This is a Tennessee team that has been limited to 16 or fewer points in each of its first three games this season. Their defense has been stellar but can they muster enough offense to keep this close or spring the upset?

Home/NFL