The Tennessee Titans travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders in this AFC matchup with playoff implications on the line.
The Titans come in at 7-5 and winners of four out of their last five after beating the Colts last week. Their stock is currently trending up. Meanwhile, the Raiders are 6-6 coming off back-to-back losses to the Jets and Chiefs, with their stock trending down. Both teams are looking to make that final push to earn a playoff spot.
Keys to game
Titans
- Stick with what has worked
Another week and the plan must stay the same: a heavy workload for Derrick Henry. I expect another 20 carries or so for the workhorse. Besides a team win, he has the NFL rushing yard lead in his sights.
- Keep the pedal on the gas against Carr
The Jets and Chiefs have kept Derek Carr very uncomfortable in the pocket which proved to be successful. The Titans’ defense needs to do the same. I expect Jurrell Casey, Harold Landry, and the rest of the defensive line to spend most of their night in the backfield.
- Limit Jacobs
Oakland’s rookie running back is having a great rookie campaign. He must be an emphasis of the Titans’ defense.
Raiders
- Get Henry on the ground
This has proven to be easier said than done, but the Raiders’ defense must not allow the Titans back to get outside the tackles as that is where he is most effective. If he manages to get outside, Tennessee must tackle him low or they are in trouble.
- Protect the kicker
The Titans’ special teams have had success blocking kicks the last few games with two last week, including one returned for a touchdown. They must account for that in this game.
- If you get the lead, don’t stop playing
The Titans have proven they can play from behind and win. The Raiders need to continue scoring points even if they have the lead.
Game Info
Date: Dec. 8, 2019
Start time: 4:25pm EST
Location: Oakland, Calif.
Stadium: RingCentral Coliseum
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Titans -2.5
Over/Under: 47
The Titans are favored on the road by two-and-a-half points.
Prediction
Ryan Tannehill will continue to impress his doubters with another stellar performance. He’ll have a pair of touchdown passes in this game. Derrick Henry will again find success on the ground. I see a pair of touchdowns and 150 plus yards rushing. By the end of this game, he could be the leading rusher in the NFL.
The Raiders will fall behind early, leading to errant throws from Derek Carr. He will throw a pair of interceptions while playing from behind. Jon Gruden’s team will all but fall out of playoff contention with the loss.
The Titans have quite a bit riding on this game. They are still very much in the playoff hunt. They will continue their postseason push with another solid win, setting up the final three games, including two against division-rival Texans, with the AFC South crown still within reach.
Final Score: Titans 34, Raiders 10
