NFL Predictions: Colts vs. Titans Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Thursday, 27 October 2011 17:13

Score predictions are ready to go in our preview of the NFL game between the Colts and the Titans.

The Indianapolis Colts (0-7) are still trying to pick up their first win of the season, but they are in for a tough road game against the Tennessee Titans (3-3) on Sunday.  Start time is set for 1:00 PM ET and Legends Sportsbook currently has the home-team Titans as a 9-point NFL betting favorite.  We’ll preview the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before releasing predictions on the final score toward the end of the article.

The Colts have now fallen against the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints this year.  Although things haven’t looked pretty all season long, the 7-62 drubbing they suffered last weekend against the Saints really showed just how far Indianapolis has fallen without Peyton Manning.

The jury is still out on new starter Curtis Painter (873 yards, 54.6%, 5 TD, 2 INT), but he appears poised to start the rest of the season after Kerry Collins was placed on injured reserve because of his concussion issues.  Painter seems to be producing big plays at times, but I still wonder if his lack of accuracy is enough to move the Colts.  Indianapolis has a decent enough rushing attack but they often either don’t use it or are too far behind to implement it.

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The Titans have given up 79 total points in their 2 most recent games; both losses against the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Jacksonville Jaguars also bested Tennessee, but the home team for our game on Sunday also holds wins over the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens.  As bad of a letdown as the defense has been lately, the rushing attack for the Titans that has averaged just 64.3 yards per game on 3.0 yards per carry has to be a larger concern.

Tennessee has quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (1518 yards, 62.1%, 10 TD, 6 INT) listed as probable with a hand injury, but he’s almost certain to suit up on Sunday.  The veteran has done a good job in the passing department, and I’m surprised his ability to keep defenses honest by throwing the ball hasn’t opened up more rushing lanes for Chris Johnson.

The Colts have quite a list of injuries, with the notables including wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (hamstring) as day-to-day, running back Joseph Addai (hamstring) as questionable, and guard Ryan Diem (ankle) listed as doubtful.  Indianapolis hasn’t defended the run well at all this year and if Johnson is going to finally cut lose this year he’s going to do it on Sunday.

Predictions here call for the Titans to get that rushing attack going, and Hasselbeck is more than capable of beating the secondary if Indianapolis decides to crowd the box.  The Colts’ offense is still struggling and I don’t see them keeping up in this tough road environment.  Painter is too inaccurate and inexperienced to properly deal with the crowd noise.  Look for the Titans to get good field position all game long thanks to sacks and turnovers.  Johnson should have a big game and I don’t see Indianapolis keeping the score close.

Colts vs. Titans Score Predictions:

Colts 13

Titans 30