The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off their bye week, head to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off a victory at home against the Chargers.
Prior to their bye, the Buccaneers lost to the Panthers in London in Week 6. The Titans, meanwhile, are coming off a game they appeared to lose three times in the final minutes, only to have an official review overturn all three.
The last time these teams met was the opening week of the 2015 season. That game featured the debut of No. 1 pick Jameis Winston hosting No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota. Mariota came away with the victory in that one, and he was impressive in that game.
In his first career NFL start, Marcus Mariota lit up the Buccaneers for FOUR first half touchdowns. #MariotaMonday pic.twitter.com/ivlsH97GTZ
— 2nd & Victory (@2ndandVictory) July 16, 2018
Fast forward to this season, and neither quarterback has sustained consistency, so much so that neither has received a contract extension entering the final year of their rookie contacts. Winston was benched a few times last season in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick, while Mariota was benched in Week 6 of this season against the Broncos in favor of Ryan Tannehill. While Tannehill played well in his first start last week, it’s unclear if that win can be credited to him.
Tannehill will look to get his receivers opportunities. Receivers Corey Davis and A.J. Brown each had six catches last week. Running back Derrick Henry will also try to eat up chunks of yards against the Buccaneers’ defense. Henry is one of two running backs (also, Todd Gurley) with over 1,500 rushing yards and more than 15 rushing touchdowns since 2018.
The Buccaneers’ defense, led by rookie linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who is tied for the league lead with nine sacks, will look to pressure Tannehill and slow down Henry.
On the other side of the ball, the Titans’ secondary will have their hands full with receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who is tied for the NFL lead with six touchdown receptions this season.
The front seven for Tennessee is led by Jurrell Casey and rookie Jeffery Simmons, who made his first start of the season last week, eight months after suffering a torn ACL. Simmons recorded his first career sack against Philip Rivers. They will have to pressure Winston all day and make him make mistakes.
Game Info
Date: October 27, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Stadium: Nissan Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Titans -2.5
Over/Under: 46.5
The Titans are favored by 2.5 points at home this week.
Prediction
Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry will continue to make plays, assuming the Titans; offensive line can keep Tannehill upright and allow them to break off a few 10-plus yard runs. Henry will finish with 150 yards from scrimmage with a touchdown and Tannehill, with a pair of touchdown passes, will flirt with 300 yards passing.
The Titans’ defense will contain Winston and the Buccaneers’ offense. I see the defense coming away with three sacks and an interception.
The Titans will get their record back to .500 and will be right back into the AFC South race.
Final Score: Titans 27, Buccaneers 16
