HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) - The Houston Texans cruised to a 26-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, keeping their playoff hopes alive and well as they face the Indianapolis Colts in a decisive final game of the season.
There was little resistance from this same Titans group that lost to Houston in overtime just two weeks ago. The Titans were able to connect on a 53-yard field goal to end the first half, but that was all they could muster.
Houston held Tennessee's offense to just 187 total yards offense, compared to the Texans' 312. The Titans managed just 11 first downs, compared to the Texans' 20.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had missed the previous two games with a concussion, did not miss a beat. He was 24-for-32 with 213 passing yards and a touchdown. Stroud's passer rating was 102.7.
Nico Collins led Houston's receiving group with 80 yards on seven catches. Tight end Brevin Jordan scored the Texans' lone offensive touchdown. Defensive tackle scored on a Jerry Hughes strip sack of Titans quarterback Will Levis, who left the game with a foot injury after that play.
The rest of Houston's scoring came from Ka'imi Fairbairn field goals.
Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. had two sacks. Derek Barnett, with an increased role due to Jonathan Greenard's injury, had 1.5 sacks. Rankins also had a sack in this game.
The win keeps the Texans on track to control their own destiny against the Colts in the final game of the season. A win would give the Texans the final AFC wild card spot in the playoffs.