The Tennessee Titans wrap up their challenging season this Sunday as they host the Houston Texans in a Week 18 AFC South showdown. With a 3-13 record, the Titans are hoping to end the year on a positive note, salvaging some pride in front of their home crowd. Interestingly, one of their three wins came against these same Texans back in Week 12, giving Tennessee a shot at a season sweep of their divisional rival.
What’s at Stake for Tennessee?
For the Titans, this game might feel more like a placeholder for next season than a meaningful contest. Playoff aspirations are long gone, and the focus for fans has shifted to draft position and glimpses of hope for 2025. However, for the players and coaching staff, this game is far from meaningless. Every snap is an opportunity to evaluate talent, make a statement, and, for some, secure a spot on the 2024 roster.
At the forefront of those evaluations is quarterback Will Levis. The rookie came into this season with high expectations as the presumed quarterback of the future, but it’s been anything but smooth sailing. Plagued by turnovers, inconsistent performances, and injuries, Levis enters Week 18 with significant question marks surrounding his future in Nashville. His stat line of 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 11 starts paints a clear picture of a tumultuous rookie campaign. With a 2-9 record as a starter and whispers of a potential franchise reset, this could very well be a make-or-break moment for the former second-round pick.
Levis’ Last Stand?
Levis will get the start on Sunday, but backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is expected to see some action as well. While the Titans are playing for little more than pride, Levis is playing for his NFL future. Ironically, his lone full-game victory as a starter came against the Texans, giving him a chance to end his rookie season on a high note by repeating that success.
A strong performance against Houston’s playoff-bound squad could give Levis one last argument to remain in the conversation as Tennessee’s starting quarterback next season. Conversely, a poor showing could cement the Titans’ plans to move in a different direction, possibly toward drafting a high-profile quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders if Tennessee lands the No. 1 overall pick.
Texans: Eyes on the Playoffs
On the other side of the field, the Texans are gearing up for the postseason. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have been one of the league’s surprise teams this year, blending a stingy defense with an emerging offense led by standout rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. While the Texans’ playoff seed is already locked in, this game still matters for momentum and fine-tuning as they prepare for their first postseason run in years. Expect Houston to treat this as an opportunity to stay sharp while potentially resting key players late in the game if the situation allows.
Draft Implications for Tennessee
While the players and coaches focus on winning, Titans fans will have one eye on the scoreboard of the Patriots’ game. A Titans loss, combined with a New England win, would secure Tennessee the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. That would give the franchise a chance to select a generational talent, possibly Sanders, to usher in a new era of Titans football. However, this is easier said than done, as no professional athlete or coach steps onto the field with the intent to lose.
Prediction
This game offers two very different narratives: the Texans aiming to polish their playoff preparation and the Titans striving for a moral victory amidst a season of frustration. The Titans’ ability to compete will hinge on Levis limiting turnovers and their defense containing Stroud and the Texans’ versatile offense. Regardless of the outcome, this game serves as a crossroads for Tennessee—a chance to either showcase young talent or take one step closer to a significant franchise overhaul.
Final Score Prediction: Texans 27 Titans 17
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