Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are starting to form a pretty nasty rivalry, and their upcoming matchup is sure to live up to the billing.

Simply put, this game is  huge for both teams.

With Peyton Manning out of the picture, the AFC South is wide open, and both the Texans and Titans look to have a great shot at taking the division.

The catch, only one of them can do it.

The Titans have been a surprising team this year with veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck under center. Even with star running back Chris Johnson struggling, the Titans have somehow found a way to win, and they are currently a game ahead of Texans in the AFC South rankings.

The Texans have struggled with injuries all season, yet somehow they find themselves in the race.

First it was star running back Arian Foster dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, and then just recently they lost star wide receiver Andre Johnson for a few weeks.

To top it off, stud defensive end Mario Williams went out for the year.

Somehow the Texans are holding on though, but this game could tip the scale.

Where: LP Field, Nashville, TN 

When: Sunday Oct. 23. 1 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Spread: Tennessee Titans -3

Tennessee looks to be favored because of the home field advantage. I don't buy it though.

Over/Under: 44

These two teams will have no problem going over on this.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries:

Houston: Wide receiver Andre Johnson—out (hamstring), running back James Casey—doubtful (chest), guard Antoine Caldwell—questionable (ankle).

Tennessee: Safety Chris Hope—out (forearm), linebacker Colin McCarthy—out (hamstring), tight end Craig Stevens—questionable (rib).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Start: Arian Foster is going to have to carry a huge load in this game, especially without Andre Johnson. I expect huge numbers from him.

Sit: Chris Johnson has been having a horrible year and I'm not sure he's going to be able to break out against the Texans defense.

Keys to Texans Win:

The running game is going to be key for the Texans. Without Johnson the Titans will be looking to rush Matt Schaub pretty hard because he doesn't have a safety net option.

If Arian Foster has a big game, then it will force the Titans to slow down their up-field pass rush.

Keys to Titans Win:

Matt Hasselbeck needs to take advantage of the time he has in the pocket without Mario Williams rushing him and make the Texans pay for their weaknesses.

He's had a great year so far, but this will be his biggest test.

Prediction:

I think Foster and the running game will be able to take the home crowd out of this game and get a big win for the Texans:

Texans: 27 Titans: 26