The Houston Texans head into their regular season finale against the Tennessee Titans with playoff positioning locked in, yet head coach DeMeco Ryans has opted to field his starters for a game that could set the tone for their postseason campaign. Meanwhile, for the Titans, individual player incentives add an extra layer of motivation to the matchup. Here’s what’s at stake for both teams as they clash in Week 18.
Why the Texans are playing their starters despite playoff security.
While the Houston Texans have already secured the AFC South division title and the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, coach DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that resting starters is not an option. This decision comes in the wake of an embarrassing 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, which players and coaches alike are using as fuel for redemption.
“Everybody’s been preparing like we’re playing,” said offensive lineman Tytus Howard. “That’s the goal: go out there and put some good football on tape and get ready for the playoffs.”
Though many teams in similar situations—such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles—are benching key players to preserve health, Ryans and his staff believe this week’s game is critical for building momentum. “We just want to go out there and play,” Howard added. “Whether we’re hurting or not, it’s our job to go out there and perform.”
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair echoed this sentiment, urging teammates not to brush off the Ravens loss but instead to use it as a learning experience. Running back Joe Mixon also noted the team’s improved focus in practice, saying, “The way we responded from last week, I think everybody is just moving up right now.”
The risk of playing starters: Weighing health against momentum.
Ryans’ decision to play his starters comes with inherent risks. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who admitted he’s “banged up,” could use additional recovery time, and the Texans have already lost six Week 1 starters to injuries this season. Despite these concerns, players like wide receiver Nico Collins are eager to compete. “I love football,” Collins said. “I’m trying to play. I know you’ve got to take care of your players, but if you love the game of football, you’re willing to do whatever it takes.”
However, Ryans has indicated that his starters may not play the full game, with their workload being closely monitored. Matt Van Dyke, the team’s executive director of player performance, will oversee player management on the sidelines and advise Ryans on when to pull key contributors. This cautious approach seeks to balance the desire for a strong performance with the need to minimize injury risks heading into the playoffs.
Incentive-driven Titans players aim for individual milestones.
For the Tennessee Titans, much of the attention in Week 18 is focused on individual player incentives. Several key players have financial bonuses on the line based on their performances in Sunday’s matchup. Safety Amani Hooker has already secured a $500,000 bonus with his fifth interception earlier this season, but others are still chasing their goals.
Running back Tony Pollard, for instance, needs 83 rushing yards to earn an additional $250,000, with another $200,000 available if he scores two touchdowns. Despite missing Week 17, Pollard has a favorable opportunity to meet his incentives with teammate Tyjae Spears sidelined due to a concussion. In Week 12, Pollard rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, proving he can deliver under similar circumstances.
Meanwhile, edge rusher Arden Key is one-and-a-half sacks away from a $500,000 bonus. However, his status for Sunday’s game remains uncertain following a week of missed practices due to injury. Linebacker Kenneth Murray, on the other hand, will unfortunately fall short of his half-sack goal for a $250,000 bonus after being placed on injured reserve last week.
What’s at stake for both teams?
While the Texans are focused on building momentum and ironing out execution issues ahead of the playoffs, the Titans are looking to end their season on a high note while giving players like Pollard and Key a chance to achieve personal milestones. The contrasting priorities set the stage for an intriguing matchup at the close of the regular season.
For Houston, the decision to play their starters may serve as a litmus test for their postseason readiness. As running back Joe Mixon put it, “In terms of going into the postseason, you can never take that for granted. You’ve got people after this week that are going home. You’ve got 14 teams left, and from there, it’s time to put your best stuff on tape.”
On the other side, the Titans have little to play for as a team in Week 18 but remain motivated by individual goals and future financial incentives. For players like Tony Pollard and Arden Key, Sunday’s game represents an opportunity to capitalize on their hard work throughout the season and secure bonuses that could impact their careers moving forward. Pollard, in particular, will be a player to watch as he shoulders a heavier workload in the absence of Tyjae Spears.
Looking ahead: Momentum versus caution.
The Texans’ decision to prioritize momentum over full rest for their starters highlights a calculated gamble by DeMeco Ryans, one that he hopes will pay dividends in the playoffs. While it carries the risk of injury, the team’s commitment to rebounding from the disastrous loss to Baltimore could foster the cohesion and execution needed to make a deep playoff run.
For the Titans, individual performances on Sunday could serve as a springboard for players like Pollard and Key to solidify their roles heading into the 2024 season. The financial incentives provide a unique subplot to an otherwise inconsequential game for Tennessee, giving fans and players alike something to root for as the season concludes.
As both teams take the field in Houston, the stakes may appear lopsided on paper, but the narratives surrounding momentum, redemption, and personal milestones ensure that this Week 18 clash will be far from meaningless.
