NFL Predictions Week 7: Titans Will Stake Claim to AFC South by Topping Texans

The Tennessee Titans have really stepped up as a contender to seize the AFC South crown vacated when Peyton Manning could no longer lead his Indianapolis Colts.

The Titans surge has been primarily because of defense, plus the resurgence and health of Matt Hasselbeck. Meanwhile, the Texans looked like the odds on favorites until they hit a few speed bumps—a game they should have won in New Orleans and then the Andre Johnson injury.

Johnson will still be out for the Titans game, and the Texans seem to be moving backwards.

Matt Schaub is banged up, but he will play. I don't think it will be enough to avoid the team's third consecutive loss. The Titans defense has been stellar, but they've yet to find a running game. They sit dead last in the NFL in rushing.

That is perplexing, considering one, you have Chris Johnson, and two, you just signed him to a fat contract extension during the preseason. 

I believe Johnson and the Titans' running game gets going this week. They will need it. Running the ball effectively coupled with the strong defense they've played all year should force the Texans into a pass-heavy offense. 

Matt Schaub's QB rating has dropped to 77.5 over his last two games. This is down from the paltry 100.5 it was over the first four games. This is a direct reflection of being without Andre Johnson.

The Titans defense and Schaub's chest injury doesn't make life any easier.

Titans win 20-10.