The Tennessee Titans will have their hands full in Week 4 with another AFC South battle against the Houston Texans.
Both teams are off to a rough start in 2025 and come into the contest winless on the season. Looking to make some changes, the Titans have made a significant adjustment ahead of the game, with Brian Callahan relinquishing play-calling duties. Quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree will take over in an attempt to jump-start the sluggish offense.
The Titans will head to Houston hoping to finally put it all together and play a complete game, leaving behind their inconsistencies, undisciplined play, and inability to tackle. This will be a tough task, but the team consistently rises to the occasion against the Texans.
Will this week be any different? Here are five key matchups to watch that could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
Titans’ offensive line vs. Texans’ fierce pass rush
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will be a matchup nightmare for the Titans’ struggling offensive line. Because of injuries, the projected starting unit has yet to play a full four quarters together, and the backups have been underwhelming at best.
The Texans have one of the top pass rush units in the NFL, and they attack in waves. Anderson is an elite edge defender who can take over a game. Alone, he would be a handful, but with Hunter alongside, the duo could make it a long day for the Titans’ offense.
Titans’ pass rush vs. Texans’ offensive line
Much like the Titans, the Texans’ offensive line has struggled in 2025, making this a great time for Tennessee to get its pass rush on track. Through three games, the Titans have not generated any tangible pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has hurt the defense.
While Jeffery Simmons has been solid and is playing at a high level, Tennessee needs more, especially from an invisible edge unit.
Tony Pollard vs. Texans defense
Tony Pollard is coming off a rough outing against the Indianapolis Colts and will try to get back on track against the Texans. With injury questions along the offensive line and the Texans boasting one of the top pass-rushing units in the league, riding Pollard for an extended period would help the offense stay balanced and potentially open up some avenues in the passing game.
L’Jarius Sneed vs. Nico Collins
After the surprising trade of Jarvis Brownlee to the New York Jets, L’Jarius Sneed will likely see the majority of his reps against Nico Collins. Collins is an explosive receiver and a big-play threat any time he touches the ball. Through three games, he has 14 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and is the leader of the Texans’ receiving corps.
If the Titans are going to have success on defense, Sneed will have to have a good game against Collins and the Texans’ passing attack.
Calvin Ridley vs. Derek Stingley Jr.
The matchup between Calvin Ridley and Derek Stingley Jr. will be important in this game, especially if Ridley can get out of his own way and cut down the drops that have plagued him in 2025. Stingley is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and can shut down any receiver, although he is currently nursing an oblique injury that could limit his impact this week.
If both players are healthy, this matchup could have a significant impact on the game and also be an entertaining one to watch.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans: 5 matchups to watch in Week 4
