Rankins' fumble return helps Texans jump all over Titans early

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans are playing like a team that understands the playoff magnitude of their matchup versus theTennessee Titans.

With quarterback C.J. Stroudreturning to the starting lineup Sunday after missing two games, he and the Texans punctuated a hot start when defensive endJerry Hughessacked Titans' quarterbackWill Levisand forced a fumble. Defensive tackleSheldon Rankinswas right there to scoop it and return it for a 13-yard touchdown to put Houston up 17-0.

The Texans jumped out to a 10-0 lead after Stroud threw a touchdown to tight end Brevin Jordan.

The Texans came into the day 8-7 and in control their playoff destiny. If they were to win this game and next week's game against theIndianapolis Colts, they would be in the playoffs regardless of if they win the AFC South or not.