The Houston Texans are set to conclude their 2024 NFL regular season against the Tennessee Titans, aiming for a 10-7 record as they head into the playoffs. Despite being the stronger team on paper, the outcome of this game holds little significance for the Texans, who have already secured a playoff spot.

However, they will be missing several key players, including cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. The focus for Houston will be to maintain player health ahead of the playoff run.

Similarly, the Titans face their own roster challenges, sidelining players such as running back Tyjae Spears and kicker Nick Folk. With no pressing need for victory, the Titans might even prefer to lose for a better draft position.

As the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion, Week 18 presents unique challenges for fantasy football enthusiasts, particularly in the kicker position. Key players like Justin Tucker, Chase McLaughlin, and Will Reichard are at the forefront of the rankings as analysts provide their insights for the final week of the season. With injuries impacting several kickers, players such as Nick Folk and Matt Prater are ruled out, making it essential for fantasy managers to stay updated.

The rankings highlight Justin Tucker as the top choice, followed closely by McLaughlin and Jake Bates. Each kicker's recent performance and matchup potential are thoroughly analyzed, with Reichard being touted as a strong option against the Detroit Lions despite some inconsistencies. McLaughlin's busy role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cameron Dicker's reliability for the Los Angeles Chargers further emphasize the depth of options available.

Will Levis is set to start at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans in their final regular-season game against the Houston Texans. Coach Brian Callahan confirmed this decision, marking Levis's 12th start of the season after a brief benching for veteran Mason Rudolph. Levis had been removed from the lineup following a poor performance against Cincinnati, where he recorded multiple turnovers, including a critical pick-6.

Despite his struggles, Callahan emphasized that Levis could remain in the game if he performs well, indicating that Rudolph will also see playing time. The Titans are using this season to evaluate Levis, who has shown flashes of brilliance, including a remarkable 98-yard touchdown pass, but has also faced challenges with turnovers.

The Titans, currently with a dismal record of 3-13, have ruled out several key players for the game, including running back Tyjae Spears and kicker Nick Folk. The team's performance on Sunday will influence their draft positioning for the upcoming April draft, where they are in contention for a top pick.

The Tennessee Titans face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium amid rainy conditions, but several key players will not be participating in the game. Among the notable absences is running back Tony Pollard, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury and illness. In Pollard's absence, Tyjae Spears is anticipated to take on the majority of the carries, with Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley providing backup support.

Additionally, kicker Nick Folk will miss another game due to an abdomen injury, leading to Matthew Wright stepping in to handle kicking responsibilities. Wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson remains a healthy scratch, raising questions about his value as a sixth-round draft pick in 2024. Defensive back Amani Hooker is also out after failing to practice all week due to a shoulder injury.

Linebacker Otis Reese IV will not play due to an ankle injury, although Luke Gifford is set to return after clearing concussion protocol. Offensive lineman Dillon Radunz will miss another week due to a shoulder injury, while Nicholas Petit-Frere is a healthy scratch, indicating that Jaelyn Duncan will likely see action at right tackle. With kickoff scheduled for 12 noon CT, both teams are looking to capitalize on their respective rosters.

The Tennessee Titans are facing a critical moment as they prepare for their Week 17 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Linebacker Luke Gifford, who missed the previous game due to a concussion, has shown promising signs of recovery, participating fully in practice. His return is vital for the Titans, especially with fellow linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. heading to injured reserve due to a wrist injury. The Titans' linebacker corps is thin, leaving Gifford as a key figure alongside rookies Cedric Gray and James Williams.

In addition to Gifford's situation, the Titans are dealing with several other injuries. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd, kicker Nick Folk, defensive back Amani Hooker, running back Tony Pollard, offensive lineman Dillon Radunz, and linebacker Otis Reese IV were all absent from practice, raising concerns about their availability for the upcoming game. On the Jaguars' side, they too are nursing injuries, with offensive tackle Walker Little, linebacker Ventrell Miller, defensive back Darnell Savage, and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton all missing practice due to various ailments.

The upcoming game is crucial for both teams, and the Titans will need Gifford's experience and skills to navigate the challenges posed by the Jaguars. As the Titans look to bounce back and improve their standing, the health of their key players will play a significant role in their performance.