The Tennessee Titans (2-8) and Houston Texans (7-4) will square off on Sunday afternoon in a Week 12 matchup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The Titans opened the week as 7.5-point road underdogs and that's exactly where the spread remains as of this writing.

With this matchup on tap, Titans Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Texans Wire managing editor Cole Thompson.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Nico Collins returned on Monday night but his role was very limited. Will the Texans keep him on a pitch count this week?

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson: Right now, it's a maybe. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik mentioned that while Collins was on a snap count, they wanted to be smart with his usage. Houston also emphasized the ground game with a three-touchdown performance from Joe Mixon.

Collins will see more than 28 snaps on Sunday, especially given that Tennessee has the No. 1 pass defense. Will he play 45? Maybe 55? That's all based on the score and lack of production from other weapons.

Given Tennessee's issues at right tackle, will Houston place a greater emphasis on attacking that side of the line or rely on one-on-ones?

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I think one-on-ones. Last week was the first time that Danielle Hunter switched sides of the defensive line, but it was mainly because Houston was down two starters. Will Anderson Jr. is trending towards playing for the first time since Week 9, so maybe Houston puts him on the right side just to give him an easier day.

I wouldn't be shocked if they ran several stunts, too. Derek Barnett has lined up inside of Hunter's shoulder and hit the outside to give the four-time Pro Bowler a chance to win against the interior. That might happen with Denico Autry out.

Prior to their win over Dallas, Houston had lost three of four. What suddenly clicked and how will that carry over on Sunday?

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Honestly, it's scoring in the second half. Houston hadn't found the end zone in nine quarters of the second half of games. They also had four turnovers and only capitalized on one takeaway for a Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal.

The Texans' defense was playing well enough to keep them in games. The offense wasn't doing enough to win. That changed when Mixon pile drove into the end zone for six points late in the fourth quarter. If the Texans can take advantage of takeaways in the final 30 minutes, they'll look like the team many envisioned this offseason.

Who is one under-the-radar player on both offense and defense the Texans and their fans should be aware of on Sunday?

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I think John Metchie III breaks out big in this one. If the Titans are without Roger McCreary this week, that's an advantage for the slot receiver who's been winning most of his one-on-one since Week 10's loss against the Detroit Lions. Defensively, I'll go Barnett. He's coming off a game where he scored a 28-yard fumble recovery following a strip sack and has proven to be a quality No. 3 defensive end. He's going to fill in for Autry on third-down passing plays, which could be a mismatch for Peter Skoronski or Dillon Radunz.

How do you see Sunday's game playing out? Who wins and what's the final score?

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I'm still not sold that the Texans are an AFC threat. They won by 24 over a Cowboys team that still thinks Cooper Rush is a better option than Trey Lance as QB1, yet the lead was only by seven entering halftime. Tennessee has a quality secondary that can eliminate the deep shots from Stroud or create an ill-advised turnover. The problem for Tennessee is the offense is hit-or-miss. Will Levis will throw a touchdown pass to bring the Titans within a score, but you're brave to bet against Mixon and a healthier Collins. Houston pulls away in the fourth and wins by two scores. Texans 28, Titans 14.