The Houston Texans look to be the real deal, especially with Matt Schaub back at quarterback, and the defense smothering opposing offenses. Following another big win last week, this time over former nemesis Peyton Manning, the Texans are in control of the AFC South after three weeks. The Texans will welcome the Tennessee Titans to town on Sunday, a team that picked up its first win of the year with a wild 44-41 win over the Lions in Nashville. Tennessee snuck out of Houston last year with a win in the final week of the season, playing against the back-ups at Reliant Stadium, as the Texans had already clinched a playoff berth.
THE GAME
Titans quarterback Jake Locker picked up his first career win as an NFL starting quarterback on Sunday against the Lions, throwing for a career high 378 yards, including a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions. The game was by far Locker’s best performance as a pro, and came at a time when the Titans desperately needed a win. The issue for the Titans in week three is can Jake Locker figure out the Texans defense? If he can, Locker would be one of the few this season, as the Texans come in to week four as the second-ranked defense in the league after allowing more than 20 points for the first time all season last week against the Broncos in Denver. If the game comes down to defense, the Texans obviously have the edge, especially over Tennessee. The Titans have allowed 30 or more points in each of the first three weeks.
WHAT TO WATCH
How will Jake Locker handle a tough divisional road start? If his first road start in San Diego was any indication, it would mean not good. It took Locker well into the second quarter to get comfortable against the Chargers on the road in week two. Reliant Stadium won’t be any easier, especially against the Texans defense. Expect Gary Kubiak to pressure Locker all afternoon, especially after his success against a Lions defense that never laid a hand on the second-year quarterback. For Houston, the biggest question mark is whether or not Arian Foster wants to run for 150 or 200 yards. The former Tennessee Volunteer has thrived against the Titans, and looks to be back to normal ways in 2012, averaging nearly four yards per rush. With Andre Johnson on the outside, the Texans should have no problem scoring points.
PREDICTION
The Titans have had trouble stopping anything defensively – and that includes last second heaves to the end zone as time expires. It would be hard not to take the over in this one, although it gets tricky with the Texans stingy defense. At 44.5, it would be safe to say that if averages hold out, that number should be very reachable on Sunday. The Titans showed big play capabilities against the Lions, and with the return of Kenny Britt, the Titans are poised to air it out in Houston. The Titans could make this a game, but whether or not they can cover the 12-point spread may be a longshot. The Houston offense should be able to put enough points on the board to salt this one away early in the second half.