NFL Week 7 Picks: Houston Texans Will Fall to Tennessee Titans

The Houston Texans, who almost seemed assured of the AFC South when Peyton Manning was declared out after neck surgery, now appear to be headed in the wrong direction.

The Texans have now lost two straight games and three of their last four, further compounded by star receiver Andre Johnson's injury.

Now they face the surprising Tennessee Titans in Week 7, a team that appears better than the Texans at this point.

Headed into Week 7, the Titans have giving up just 18.8 points per game, fifth in the league. They've also allowed just 221 passing yards per game and rank in the top 10 in opponents' rushing yards per carry (3.8).

Sure, the Titans got rocked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, but the Texans have a worse rush defense, allowing 4.6 yards per carry, and I expect running back Chris Johnson to finally break out after a rough start to 2011.

Bottom line: The Titans are simply more solid than the Texans. They may not have more talent, but a reason they've surprised is because they've played very well as a team, more than you could say about them in 2010.

The Titans aren't going to be as good without star receiver Kenny Britt, but they do have a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck who continues to spread the ball around.

It also doesn't hurt that this game will be held in Tennessee, where the Titans are 2-0 this season.

Look for the Texans to fall to 3-4 in Week 7 and the Titans to increase their division lead.