2 bold predictions for Titans-Texans on Sunday

The Tennessee Titans are riding a four-game winning streak and are now turning to rookie quarterback Malik Willis to keep things rolling in Houston. Willis will make his first career start on Sunday with Ryan Tannehill out due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Colts. With Willis under center, the Titans just became […]

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Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Syndication The Tennessean
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Syndication The Tennessean

The Tennessee Titans are riding a four-game winning streak and are now turning to rookie quarterback Malik Willis to keep things rolling in Houston. Willis will make his first career start on Sunday with Ryan Tannehill out due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Colts.

With Willis under center, the Titans just became must-see TV, and you never know what might happen. Here are two of my bold predictions for the Titans-Texans matchup on Sunday afternoon.

1. Derrick Henry goes over 200 yards rushing 

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Nfl Indianapolis Colts At Tennessee Titans Syndication The Tennessean
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.Nfl Indianapolis Colts At Tennessee TitansSyndication The Tennessean

Titans running back Derrick Henry has a history of success against the Texans defense. While he missed both matchups with Houston in 2021, in each of Henry’s last three games against them, he has gone over 200 rushing yards with at least two touchdowns.

673 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, actually, but who’s counting?

I think Henry keeps that going this week.

Henry has been just a few inches away from breaking the “home run” run in recent weeks, with a few shoe string tackles holding him to a modest 128 yards last week against Indianapolis.

This finally feels like the week some of those runs go to the house. The Titans are undoubtedly going to feed 22 with Tannehill out, and the athleticism of Malik Willis might create some roll-out opportunities that open up the run game early and often for Henry.

200 is a big number, but that’s why they call it a bold prediction.

2. Malik Willis scores his first career touchdown 

Sep 19, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) scrambles out of the pocket during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV -USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) scrambles out of the pocket during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV -USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of Willis and his athletic ability, I’m predicting the rookie quarterback to find the endzone for the first time in his NFL career today.

The Titans offense has been incredibly efficient in the red zone so far this year. They’ve found ways to be creative, win up front, and execute with a short field. I think the Titans would be wise to try and use Willis’ legs on read options and bootlegs in the red zone.

With all the attention on Henry near the goal line, I think Willis uses his speed to sneak in for his first career score at some point today.

Image via Andrew Nelles/Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK

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