The Houston Texans are 8-5 and are sitting atop the AFC South. However, the Tennessee Titans are surging and right on their heels. Tennessee has won four straight games to push themselves to an 8-5 record as well.

This has turned something that could have been considered an “easier” win for the Texans into one of their tougher challenges.

Not only that, but suddenly this game holds a lot of importance. Whoever comes out victorious has sole possession of first place in the AFC South.

So how does Houston walk away with a win? Here are four reasons the Texans will defeat the Titans in Week 15.

4. Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill has been incredible since taking over as the starting quarterback of the Tennessee Titans. Is it something you can count on for the rest of the year though?

Appearing in nine games so far, Tannehill has 15 touchdown passes compared to five interceptions. He has also ran for three more touchdowns, fumbling six times though. The quarterback is already up to 1,993 passing yards, that's more than he had in 11 games last season with the Miami Dolphins.

This is leading many to wonder, are we finally seeing the version of Tannehill the Dolphins were hoping they would get when they drafted him back in 2012?

While that could be the answer, there is another very strong possibility. We've seen this Tannehill before. He gets hot for a few games, but throws out quite a few stinkers as well. Raising the hope, before crashing down with a miserable game.

To be fair to Tannehill, Miami never really gave him much help. However, does Tennessee really have any elite weapons either?

If this is the same Tannehill formula, he could be due for a really bad game. If it happens against the Texans, Houston will walk away with a win.

3. DeAndre Hopkins

The Tennessee defense has a lot of bright spots on it. They've pulled out some fantastic games in 2019 and completely shut down some opponents.

Good luck shutting down DeAndre Hopkins though. Considered by some to be the best wide receiver in the NFL, he makes a strong argument.

Although they are in the same division, the two teams have not met up yet. So Week 15 will be the first time the Titans have to find a way to cover Hopkins in 2019. If they manage to do so, they will be basically the first team to achieve that goal.

On the year, Hopkins has 93 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns. There's no need to really elaborate on those numbers. They are absolutely ridiculous. He demands a double-team at all times.

The issue with that is, Houston has more than enough weapons outside of him. You can't really forget about Will Fuller or even Kenny Stills.

This means opponents actually can't constantly double Hopkins. And that means he is going to feast.

2. Tennessee's Offensive Line Issues

The Texans have not exactly been great at getting to the quarterback in 2019. However, the Titans have been absolutely miserable at preventing opponents at getting to the quarterback.

So things may even out and end up tilting in the favor of Houston.

Tennessee has allowed 49 sacks in 2019. That's the third most in the NFL, behind only the Carolina Panthers (50) and the Dolphins (51).

Tannehill is not exactly known for getting rid of the ball quickly either. This could be a chance for the Texans to really get pressure on the quarterback. That's something they have not done all year long (their 26 sacks are sixth-fewest in the NFL).

Houston is 8-5 on the season. They are doing that without ever getting big sack totals. Now imagine that same team racking up sacks in a game and it seems like that would be a pretty serious recipe for a win if you ask me.

1. Deshaun Watson

I've already talked about Hopkins and the other weapons in the passing game for Houston. What about the quarterback though? Deshaun Watson is proving that he truly is one of the best in the NFL.

Watson has completed 67.7% of his passes this season. He has done so for 3,425 yards and 24 touchdowns (compared to nine interceptions). Watson is not just a passer though, he's a serious dual-threat.

The quarterback has 344 yards and seven more touchdowns on 68 rushing attempts (5.1 yards per carry). This has helped to make the Houston offense unpredictable and incredibly tough to stop.

If the passing game is not working, Watson can take off and run. This puts the entire defense on alert. Of course, having Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson at running back does not hurt either.

The point is though, Watson can run at any moment. That's just not fair considering his amazing arm talent.

If you want to stop the Houston offense, you need to have eyes on every possible play. That includes Watson's arm, as well as his legs. Good luck.