The Houston Texans hope their midseason malaise is behind them and they get the chance to prove it when they host the lowly Tennessee Titans in an AFC South clash on Sunday.The Texans (7-4) hold a two-game division lead over the Indianapolis Colts despite recently losing three of four games, including blowing a 16-point halftime lead in a loss to the Detroit Lions.But Houston roared to a dominating 34-10 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, perhaps signaling the team is ready to go on a roll. In fact, the Texans visit a Jacksonville Jaguars team in disarray in Week 13 before having a bye week.Just don’t mention the word “playoffs” anywhere near Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.”I just want our guys to remain focused, remain locked in on the task at hand each week,” Ryans told reporters. “If we do that, we’re a really good football team. We can play with anybody. It’s just about finishing.”Quarterback C.J. Stroud passed for 257 yards and was intercepted once against Dallas. Big-play receiver Nico Collins returned from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury to catch four passes for 54 yards.But the big reason for the trampling of the Cowboys was running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for three touchdowns and had 153 yards from scrimmage. His 109 on the ground represented his fifth 100-yard outing in the past six games.”When he’s on, Joe’s a force,” Ryans said. “I liked the way we just kept churning it in the run game. And I’m proud of the guys for stepping up to the challenge.”Houston expects to have star Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) after a two-game absence. Anderson, who was limited in Wednesday’s practices, shares the team lead of 7.5 sacks with fellow defensive end Danielle Hunter.The Titans (2-8) lack an identity after the offseason departure of franchise icon Derrick Henry, the star running back.Tennessee has lost six games by double digits as it begins back-to-back road games against the Texans and Washington Commanders.Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is putting on a brave face. He liked the effort in last Sunday’s 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.”The fight this team showed, especially in the second half, is why you want to play this game,” Simmons said. “No matter what the record may be, that’s why I come to work, and I’m ready to go to war with my guys.”