The Houston Texans were dealt a blow to the stomach earlier this week when it was announced that star rookie quarterback CJ Stroud would not be able to play in the team’s pivotal Week 15 matchup against their AFC South rival, the Tennessee Titans.
Stroud is undoubtedly the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and was even garnering some MVP consideration prior to his injury suffered in Week 14.
Stroud wasn’t the only key player out for that game either. The Texans were also without star wideouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell. There was a lot going against Houston in this one, and yet, they still got the victory, 19-16 in overtime off a 54-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn.
Outside of the obvious standings implications, this matchup also holds some historical significance. In 1997, the Houston Oilers moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Oilers for two seasons before re-naming themselves the Titans. In 2002, the Houston Texans joined the NFL as well. Suddenly, the Houston Oilers had been replaced.
The Tennessee Titans like to honor their history, and prior to the game on Sunday, the Titans posted this graphic implying they were the true Houston team, despite what the Texans’ namesake may claim.
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The Texans didn’t take too kindly to that slight. After the win, they were quick to post their rebuttal.
The Titans’ ‘T’ switching into an ‘L’ is just classic. However, the Texans go over the top by drizzling oil over the graphic James Bond-style. The black, viscous liquid likely mimicking Titans’ fans tears after watching their team fall to 5-9 at the hands of Case Keenum.
How did this game affect the AFC standings?
The Titans are last-place in the AFC South, and are three games behind the third-place Texans. Each of the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans are in the thick of the playoff race.
If the playoffs were to start today though, the Texans would not be in the playoffs. Despite holding the same record as the seven-seed, the Colts still hold the tiebreaker over the Texans, having beaten Houston 31-20 back in Week 2.
The Colts and Texans play each other again in Week 18 on January 7, 2024. That game could have massive playoff implications. The Titans meanwhile, likely won’t be playing for anything but pride come that Sunday.