A crucial AFC South showdown kicks off Week 10 on Thursday Night Football as the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts. The winner will take control of first place in the division and set the tone ahead of a Week 12 rematch.
What’s at Stake
The Colts (5-3) and Titans (6-2) meet in a game that could have major implications down the road. The winner will position themselves atop the AFC South just past the season’s midway point, though that’s not where the implications of this game end.
The loser of the Week 10 matchup will find themselves in the middle of a crowded AFC Wild Card race. Indianapolis, who currently trails the Titans in the division, is currently on the outside looking in entering the contest. With seven teams set to make the playoffs in each conference, the Colts are in the 9th spot right now, trailing the Cleveland Browns due to a Week 5 head-to-head loss. Dropping to 5-4 ahead of a tough remaining schedule could prove too much to overcome for the team.
The Titans will look to separate themselves in the division race on Thursday night. The momentum from a Week 10 win before the rematch in just 17 days could be what they need to pull away in the AFC South.
Colts
The Colts enter this game looking to bounce back from a 24-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. They were outscored 17-0 in the second half of that game, dropping what could have been an impressive win over a tough Ravens team.
Veteran Quarterback Phillip Rivers enters this game completing 67.9 percent of his passes en route to 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His play has been uninspiring in his first year in Indianapolis, leading to an offense that has not done their part to match their defense’s level of play.
Running back Nyheim Hines leads the team with three receiving touchdowns, one more than he accumulated in his first two years in the NFL. Rookie Jonathan Taylor has racked up 416 yards and 4 touchdowns halfway through his first season, though he enters the game coming off just a six-carry, 27 yard performance against the Ravens.
The only wide receiver to find the end zone so far is Zach Pascal, who has done so twice. The Colts will benefit from the return of T.Y. Hilton, but tight end Jack Doyle will be unavailable. Additionally, Fellow tight end Mo Alie-Cox is listed as questionable.
Titans
The Titans are coming off a 24-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, and the score does not represent how lopsided the game actually was. Chicago scored both of their touchdowns in the final six minutes of the game after the Titans dominated the first 54 minutes of action.
Ryan Tannehill is making the team look great for investing in him so far, passing for 19 touchdowns against just three interceptions. His favorite target, A.J. Brown, has caught a touchdown in five straight games since returning from injury. On the year, Brown has 457 yards and six touchdowns in six games played. Jonnu Smith also has six touchdown catches for the Titans, though hasn’t made more than two receptions in a game since Week 5.
Derrick Henry leads the league in rushing attempts, to the surprise of no one. The Pro Bowler has 182 rushing attempts for 843 yards and eight touchdowns thus far.
Tennessee will be without defensive back Adoree’ Jackson, who was activated from injured reserve but will not suit up. Jadeveon Clowney and wide receiver Brown appear good to go after both practiced in full on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Game Info
Date: November 12, 2020
Start Time: 7:20 P.M. cst
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Stadium: Nissan Stadium
TV Info: FOX, NFL Network
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: IND -1 (-110) | Titans +1 (-110)
Moneyline: IND -115 | Titans -115
Over/Under: O 48.5 (-110) | U 48.5 (-110)
Both of these teams want to control the clock and produce long, methodical drives. While they have each shown an ability to win in other ways, it is clear that these teams prefer a run-first offensive attack. Additionally, both offenses scoring is a bit inflated due to beating up on some weak opponents.
The Titans tend to have big offensive days when they find themselves in a deficit after struggling early, but against this Indianapolis offense, that is not much cause for worry. With Tennessee getting a point on the books, take them in this one. If looking at the total, the under is more appealing given both teams’ desire to eat clock. To be safe, consider buying the line to 50.5 and taking the under on that.
Prediction
The Titans show up ready to make a statement in the AFC South. Even against a tough Colts defense, they are able to control the game on offense with a heavy dose of Henry. Rivers and the Colts offense does not get going until down multiple scores, and prove unable to make up for it late in the game.
Final Score: Colts 20, Titans 26
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