Glenn Coleman
Dec 18, 2023 - 01:00

Houston Texans rebrand as Oilers to dominate Tennessee Titans on social media

Texans star rookie QB out for pivotal game, but team still gets win. Titans and Texans rivalry heats up. Playoff implications.

The Houston Texans suffered a major setback this week when it was revealed that their star rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud, would be unable to play in their crucial Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans. Stroud, who is a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year and had even been considered for MVP, sustained an injury in Week 14.

In addition to Stroud, the Texans were also missing key players Nico Collins and Tank Dell for the game. Despite these challenges, the team managed to secure a 19-16 overtime victory with a 54-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn.

Beyond the implications for the standings, this matchup holds historical significance. In 1997, the Houston Oilers relocated to Nashville and became the Tennessee Oilers for two seasons before ultimately rebranding as the Titans. In 2002, the Houston Texans joined the NFL, effectively replacing the Oilers.

The Titans have made an effort to honor their history, and prior to the game, they posted a graphic implying that they were the true Houston team, despite the Texans' name. The Texans responded with a graphic of their own, playfully altering the Titans' logo to mock their opponent.

With the Titans currently in last place in the AFC South and three games behind the third-place Texans, the playoff race in the division is heating up. If the playoffs were to begin today, the Texans would not be in the playoffs, as the Indianapolis Colts hold the tiebreaker over them. However, the Texans will have the opportunity to face the Colts again in Week 18, a game that could have significant playoff implications.

Meanwhile, the Titans are unlikely to be playing for anything but pride come that Sunday. In other NFL news, the Dallas Cowboys have become the second team to clinch a playoff spot, thanks to losses by the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons.