The Houston Texans are hoping their midseason malaise is behind them and they’ll have a chance to prove it when they host the lowly Tennessee Titans in an AFC South clash on Sunday. The Texans (7-4) hold a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts despite recently losing three of four games, including a 16-point halftime lead in a loss to the Detroit Lions . But Houston earned a dominant 34-10 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, perhaps signaling that the team is ready to hit the ground running. In fact, the Texans visit a distraught Jacksonville Jaguars team in Week 13 before taking a week off. Just don’t mention the word “playoffs” anywhere near Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “I just want our guys to stay focused, focused on the task at hand every week,” Ryans told reporters. “If we can do that, we’ll be a very good football team. We can play with anyone. It’s just about finishing.” Quarterback CJ Stroud passed for 257 yards and was intercepted once against Dallas. Big-play receiver Nico Collins returned from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury to catch four passes for 54 yards. But the biggest reason for the Cowboys’ stalling was running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for three touchdowns and passed for 153 yards before scrimmage. His 109 rushing represented his fifth 100-yard outing in the last six games. “When he’s around, Joe is a force,” Ryans said. “I liked the way we continued to do it in the running game. And I’m proud of the guys who rose to the challenge.” Houston expects to have star Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) back after a two-game absence. Anderson, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice, shares the team lead with 7.5 sacks with fellow sack Danielle Hunter. The Titans (2-8) lack identity following the offseason departure of franchise icon Derrick Henry, the star running back. Tennessee has lost six games by double digits as it enters back-to-back road games against the Texans and Washington Commanders. Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons shows courage. He liked the effort in last Sunday’s 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. “The fight that this team showed, especially in the second half, is why you want to play this game,” Simmons said. “It doesn’t matter what the record is, that’s what I come to work for and I’m ready to go to war with my guys.” Quarterback Will Levis passed for a record 295 yards against the Vikings. A third of them were on a play when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught a pass at his own 40-yard line and raced down the right sideline for a 98-yard scoring play. Lévis completed only 17 of 31 passes and was intercepted once. He’s not thrilled that Tennessee ranks 28th in the NFL in scoring offense (17 points per game) and 25th in total offense (295.4 yards per game). “You just have to continue to come to work, knowing that the way you approach your job and the way you approach your daily life are the habits that create winning football,” Levis said Wednesday. “And we just have to know that if we continue to do these things, then the victories will come.” Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) will not play Sunday, according to coach Brian Callahan. He and wide receiver Calvin Ridley (illness) were among nine Titans to miss Wednesday’s practice due to injury or illness. Others missing included defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps) and running back Tyjae Spears (concussion). Linebacker Jack Gibbens (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery earlier this week and will be placed on injured reserve. He was injured and then forced off the field in the loss to Minnesota. Houston defensive end Denico Autry (knee/oblique) missed Wednesday’s practice. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (foot) and offensive tackle Blake Fisher (concussion) also missed practice. The Texans have won the last three meetings. The teams will meet again during the final week of the regular season in Nashville. –Field level media
