Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Titans-Houston Texans rivalry is in its 22nd year since the expansion Texans began play, and the AFC South was formed in 2002. In 42 games, the Titans are 23-19 against the Texans, including a 12-9 mark at Nissan Stadium and an 11-10 record at NRG Stadium.
The Texans defeated the Titans in the most recent matchup at Nissan Stadium. On December 24th, 2022, the Texans prevailed 19-14 after kickoff was delayed an hour due to Nashville-area power issues caused by extreme temperatures (20 degrees at kickoff). Quarterback Davis Mills recorded the start and the win for the Texans, out-dueling Titans rookie starter Malik Willis.
In the first meeting of 2022, played on October 30th, Willis recorded his first career start. The Titans leaned on Derrick Henry, who rushed for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and the team’s 314 rushing yards ranked second in franchise history. The defense allowed only 161 yards, and the Titans won 17-10.
Several recent late-season battles with the Texans have had playoff implications for the Titans. On January 9th, 2022, they won 28-25 at Houston to clinch the top seed in the AFC playoff field.
In the 2020 season finale (January 3rd, 2021), the Tennessee Titans traveled to Houston Texans needing a win to secure their first AFC South title since 2008. They got it when Sam Sloman’s 37-yard field goal provided the margin in a 41-38 win, capping an historic afternoon during which Henry established a franchise record with 250 rushing yards and concluded the season with a franchise record 2,027 rushing yards.
In the 2019 finale, the two eventual playoff teams met at NRG Stadium. The Texans had already clinched the AFC South, while the Titans went into the day potentially needing a win to secure the wild card berth. The Texans had defended their home turf a series-record seven consecutive times against the Titans, but the Titans came away with a 35-14 win.
The Titans franchise has a rich and storied history with the city of Houston. Under late owner K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr., the Titans existed as the Houston Oilers from 1960-96. In Houston, the Oilers won the first two American Football League Championships and made a total of 15 playoff appearances. The team moved to Tennessee in 1997 and in 1999 adopted the “Titans” moniker.
Current Titans Controlling Owner and Chairman Amy Adams Strunk is a graduate of the University of Texas and resides in Waller, Texas.
Recent Games
2021 Week 11 • Nov. 21, 2021 • TEXANS 22 at Titans 13
The Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans despite being 1-8 entering the contest against an 8-2 Titans team. Rain develops in the first half and continues steadily throughout the remainder of the game. Houston scores the game’s first 19 points. The Texans force five turnovers, led by Desmond King II’s two interceptions.
Houston quarterback Tyrod Taylor rushes for 28 yards and two touchdowns on top of his 107 passing yards. Wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick notches his first career touchdown reception for the Titans, while tight end Anthony Firkser recovers a fumble in the end zone for the team’s other touchdown.
2021 Week 18 • Jan. 9, 2022 • TITANS 28 at Texans 25
With their win in the regular season finale, the Titans clinch the first seed in the AFC playoffs. They build a 21-0 lead in the second quarter before the Texans score 18 consecutive points in the second half. With the score 21-18 in the fourth quarter, Ryan Tannehill escapes a near sack to complete a 36-yard pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, leading to the decisive three-yard touchdown catch by Julio Jones.
Tannehill passes for 287 yards and touchdowns to four different receivers, out-dueling Texans rookie Davis Mills (301 yards, three touchdowns). The Titans offense totals 405 yards and converts 61.5 percent on third down (8-13).
2022 Week 8 • Oct. 30, 2022 • TITANS 17 at Texans 10
Derrick Henry rushes for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, and the team’s 314 rushing yards make up the second-best total in franchise history. Henry records his fourth consecutive game against Houston with 200 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns. Henry scores his 75th career touchdown to break Eddie George’s franchise record (74).
Rookie quarterback Malik Willis records his first NFL start with Ryan Tannehill inactive. The Titans defense limits the Texans to 161 total yards, the fewest by a Titans opponent since 2010. Texans quarterback Davis Mills is sacked three times and throws one interception (Kristian Fulton).
2022 Week 16 • Dec. 24, 2022 • TEXANS 19 at Titans 14
The Texans earn their second win of the season. The temperature at kickoff is 20 degrees, making it the coldest home game in Titans/Oilers history. Kickoff is delayed one hour due to Nashville area power issues caused by the cold. Malik Willis starts for an injured Ryan Tannehill at quarterback.
The Texans force three turnovers and sack Willis four times. Derrick Henry rushes for 126 yards, including a 48-yard score. The Texans score the go-ahead touchdown on a six-yard pass from Davis Mills to Brandin Cooks with 2:52 remaining in the fourth quarter.
