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Texans Look to Enter Super Bowl Conversation on MNF

In Week 3, in Houston, the New York Giants pushed the Houston Texans to 0-3. The Jacksonville Jaguars were 2-1, the Tennessee Titans were upstart, and people were more interested to see if Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts could rebound than DeShaun Watson and the Texans. 

The underdog role has suited the Texans well, and they've responded by winning their next seven games. This has them perched atop the AFC South, and although the Jaguars haven't won a game in two months, the Colts have been surging on their own with five straight wins.

But the Texans control their own destiny, starting with a pivotal AFC South matchup on Monday Night Football. With a road win, the Titans can make the AFC South a three-way race to the finish. If the Texans can hold down the fort at home, they'll create a little breathing room, improve their divisional record, and stretch their win streak to eight games.

It's possible the Texans don't lose again this season. Divisional games are always tough, and Houston has three more of them on the slate. On the plus side? All at home.
Their remaining games include hosting the Browns (4-6-1), visiting the Jets (3-8), and traveling to Philadelphia (5-6). The only team left on the schedule with a winning record is the 6-5 Colts.

With a win over the Titans, the Texans would improve to 8-3, and be tied for the 2nd best record in the AFC. And with the soft schedule, they could hold on to a #2 or #3 seed, or even a #1 seed if the Chiefs falter and the Patriots don't win out. The Steelers are also right in the mix at 7-3-1, and the Chargers are the other 8-3 team that Houston would be tied with.

In terms of a signature win over a quality opponent, the Texans barely missed on beating the Patriots in Week 1. They had an impressive win over the Jaguars, before we learned just how bad they actually were. Houston holds wins over the Cowboys and Redskins, one of which is likely to emerge as the NFC East winner. 

The Titans have been up and down this season, as evidenced by an even 5-5 record, and can play with anyone. The Texans will have to outplay them on Monday night, something the Cowboys were unable to do two weeks ago.

Game Prediction

I think the Texans come into Monday Night with purpose and intent, and come out swinging on offense and defense. The overall direction of the game depends on how well the Titans show up. They showed up in Dallas and it got them a road win in the national spotlight. But earlier in the season, Tennessee was held scoreless at home by the Ravens. Which team will show up tonight?

I have the Texans winning the game 27-17 to improve to 8-3.

Can the Texans compete in January? In a wide-open AFC, there's no reason they can't. After winning on Monday Night Football, don't be surprised when you hear the Texans being mentioned in the same conversations as the Chiefs and Patriots.

NBA Predictions: Playoff Teams, Awards, and Finals Matchup

Header photo: USA Today via Texans Wire
Photo #2: Sports Illustrated
Photo #3: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America


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