Top 5 Matchups To Watch During Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans In Week 16

Top 5 Matchups To Watch During Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans In Week 16

By Brian Kalchik

December 27, 2015

Top 5 Matchups To Watch During Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans In Week 16

J.J. Watt Texans — Today, the Texans face the Titans in a must-win game for the Texans. A win and a Colts loss gives Houston the AFC South crown and a playoff appearance. First, the Texans have to defeat the Titans, and these five one-on-one matchups will be the ones to focus on outside of J.J. Watt vs. the Titans' offensive line.

Today, the Texans face the Titans in a must-win game for the Texans. A win and a Colts loss gives Houston the AFC South crown and a playoff appearance. First, the Texans have to defeat the Titans, and these five one-on-one matchups will be the ones to focus on outside of J.J. Watt vs. the Titans' offensive line.

5. Kevin Johnson vs. Kendall Wright

Kevin Johnson Texans

5. Kevin Johnson vs. Kendall Wright

Kevin Johnson Texans — Wright was a full participant in practice this week so he should be playing on Sunday. When healthy, Wright is one of the most productive slot receivers in the league. Johnson, the Texans' first-round pick this season, will be shadowing him for most of the game. In the last meeting between these teams, Wright had four receptions for 21 yards while Johnson had five tackles and an interception.

Wright was a full participant in practice this week so he should be playing on Sunday. When healthy, Wright is one of the most productive slot receivers in the league. Johnson, the Texans' first-round pick this season, will be shadowing him for most of the game. In the last meeting between these teams, Wright had four receptions for 21 yards while Johnson had five tackles and an interception.

4. Brian Orakpo vs. Duane Brown

Brian Orakpo Titans

Advertisement

4. Brian Orakpo vs. Duane Brown

Brian Orakpo Titans — Orakpo has had another outstanding season so far for the Titans, recording seven sacks. He faces a Texans' offensive line that has given up 33 sacks this season. Brown's played has slipped this season because he wasn't voted as a Pro Bowler for the first time in the last four seasons. If the Titans want to pull the upset, they have to pressure Brandon Weeden, and that starts with Orakpo.

Orakpo has had another outstanding season so far for the Titans, recording seven sacks. He faces a Texans' offensive line that has given up 33 sacks this season. Brown's played has slipped this season because he wasn't voted as a Pro Bowler for the first time in the last four seasons. If the Titans want to pull the upset, they have to pressure Brandon Weeden, and that starts with Orakpo.

3. Jurrell Casey vs. Brandon Brooks

Jurrell Casey Titans

3. Jurrell Casey vs. Brandon Brooks

Jurrell Casey Titans — On that same note, the line of scrimmage will be key for the Titans, especially on defense. Casey, like Orakpo, has had an excellent season so far, recording seven sacks. Brooks, meanwhile, is one of the best young offensive guards in the NFL. If Houston wants to have success in the running game, Brooks will have to slow down Casey.

On that same note, the line of scrimmage will be key for the Titans, especially on defense. Casey, like Orakpo, has had an excellent season so far, recording seven sacks. Brooks, meanwhile, is one of the best young offensive guards in the NFL. If Houston wants to have success in the running game, Brooks will have to slow down Casey.

2. Johnathan Joseph vs. Dorial Green-Beckham

Johnathan Joseph Texans

2. Johnathan Joseph vs. Dorial Green-Beckham

Johnathan Joseph Texans — Tennessee's offense has been miserable for most of this season, but Green-Beckham has been a pleasant surprise for the Titans. When injuries limited the Titans' receiving corps, Green-Beckham shined, recording 100-yard games in two of his last three outings. He faces Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Texans. After early season struggles, Joseph has bounced back and has had a nice season up to this point.

Tennessee's offense has been miserable for most of this season, but Green-Beckham has been a pleasant surprise for the Titans. When injuries limited the Titans' receiving corps, Green-Beckham shined, recording 100-yard games in two of his last three outings. He faces Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Texans. After early season struggles, Joseph has bounced back and has had a nice season up to this point.

1. Blidi Wreh-Wilson vs. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Texans

1. Blidi Wreh-Wilson vs. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Texans — Hopkins is the key to the Texans' offense and the Titans have to account for him on every snap. Wreh-Wilson will step in to try and slow down Hopkins with Jason McCourty out for the season. In their last matchup, Hopkins had eight catches on 11 targets for 94 yards and one touchdown. Another stat-line like that will give Houston a victory.

Hopkins is the key to the Texans' offense and the Titans have to account for him on every snap. Wreh-Wilson will step in to try and slow down Hopkins with Jason McCourty out for the season. In their last matchup, Hopkins had eight catches on 11 targets for 94 yards and one touchdown. Another stat-line like that will give Houston a victory.

Teams in this article »

Houston Texans

•

Tennessee Titans

Share On Facebook

Share