Texans vs Titans Odds - Defense, ground game will power Titans to easy win

Houston’s sports betting chances aren’t that high to begin with, but they did themselves no favors with a terrible performance at home in Week 1. Next, they head to Tennessee, where they’ve been awful in recent years, and they’re facing a hard-hitting defense with something to prove.

Texans vs Titans Odds: Titans -7 (Total: 40.5)

• WHAT: NFL Week 2 odds
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: LP Field, Nashville, TN
  
• KEY STAT: Houston have lost six of their last seven at LP Field
  
• PICK: Tennessee; UNDER 40.5

Texans vs Titans odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Houston looked lackluster in their 24-7 home loss to the Jets, as they were pushed around on both sides of the ball. They’re facing a division rival who fought hard, but lost a 13-10 overtime game against the defending Super Bowl champions from Pittsburgh, and you can bet that the Titans are hungry to lay someone out.

Texans vs Titans odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Texans were held to 183 yards against the Jets, and it’s difficult to pick out one positive from the game. Houston averaged 2.9 yards a carry, and their inability to run the ball is a major reason why they held the ball for just over 21 minutes. Matt Schaub played through a sprained ankle, but maybe he should shut it down until he’s healthy. The Titans were also missing receiver Kevin Walter.

Tennessee’s rushing attack never got going, but Kerry Collins had a decent game anyway, throwing for 244 yards, a touchdown and a pick. However, the Titans struggled on third down, converting only four of 13 chances. And as for the ground game, they were facing a pretty tough defense in the Steelers.

Betting Edge: Titans

Texans vs Titans odds maker breakdown: Defense
It may have been even uglier defensively for the Texans, who gave up 462 yards to a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut, on the road, no less. Houston missed cornerback Jacques Reeves, who is recovering from a knee injury, but they got no pass rush anyway. A bright spot was rookie Brian Cushing, who led the way with eight tackles in his first game. Dominique Barber also scored the Texans’ only points, returning a fumble 48 yards for a score.

The Titans forced three turnovers out of the Steelers, and they held Pittsburgh to only 36 yards on the ground. They gave up 363 yards to Ben Roethlisberger, but they also had four sacks and a pair of picks. Also, a late strip by Michael Griffin of Hines Ward gave the Titans a chance to go to overtime.

Betting Edge: Titans

Texans vs Titans odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Jacoby Jones had a decent day returning kicks for the Texans, who also kept Jets’ return specialist Leon Washington under wraps.

Rob Bironas had a nightmare of a game, missing two field goals for the Titans, and their return teams were silent. It doesn’t affect their online betting chances that much, but still, it’s worrying.

Betting Edge: Texans

Texans vs Titans odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Reeves and Walters should be okay to play in Week 2 for the Texans, but you have to wonder about Schaub’s ankle. He didn’t look comfortable moving around the pocket against the Jets.

Rookie tight end Jared Cook missed the Pittsburgh game, but he should be fine for Houston. It’s right on time, because Bo Scaife hurt his knee and could miss this week’s clash with the Texans.

Betting Edge: Draw

Texans vs Titans betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Houston is not a fan of LP Field, where they’ve dropped six of their seven meetings, and they were hammered 31-12 there in 2008. Now, with a gimpy Schaub, they’re taking on a Tennessee defense that looked like it was on a mission to show they didn’t miss All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth, who bolted for Washington. The Titans’ rushing attack will be better against the Texans’ porous run defense, which will allow Tennessee to control the clock. The Titans should have no problems covering the 7-point spread at home.

The score will be under the total of 40.5, as the Titans aren’t going to put up 30 points, but they’ll do enough. Their defense will definitely keep the Texans under 14 points.

DJ’S PICK: Tennessee; UNDER 40.5

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D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.