Week 12 in the NFL brings a massive game between two 7-3 teams looking for an edge in the AFC South. The Titans and Colts are both coming off big wins against the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers respectively, so they’re both coming in hot. The key storyline in this game is can Tennessee running back Derrick Henry get it going against the Colts run defense? In the two teams’ first meeting earlier this season, Henry had 103 rushing yards.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are coming off a big AFC victory against the Ravens, where Henry captained them to a comeback victory by scoring the game-winning touchdown in OT. In this game though, Henry will need to be on top of his game again, as he is facing the 5th ranked defense in the league and the defense that has allowed the second-fewest total yards. The Titans are getting some help however at the expense of Colts star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner contracting COVID-19, so that was a piece of luck for the Titans. Similarly, Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill will need to be on the top of his game and will need to perform as well if not better than he has in the last five weeks. He has a TD/INT ratio of 9:2 in those games and has a passer rating of 97.9.
On the other side of the football is Tennessee’s defense. It is lagging behind the offense by a wide margin, as the defense ranks 18th in the league in points allowed and 25th in yards allowed. In the games the Titans have lost, it’s been their defense letting them down. The Titans must play a balanced game if they want to beat a well-rounded team like the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts
Indy is coming off a signature victory against the Packers, where they too had to go to an overtime period to decide it. They were gifted a fumble by Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Packer territory, where Colts K Rodrigo Blankenship ended it four plays later. The Colts come into this game with a clear edge over the Titans, as they won their first matchup just a few weeks ago. They need to continue to do what they have been doing so far this year, which is playing a balanced game and moving the ball down the field slowly.
They rank ninth in the NFL in time of possession due to their slow-moving offense, so it bodes well to keep the ball away from the Titans’ offense. To win, veteran QB Philip Rivers will need to keep the ball in his hands, which he hasn’t done a great job of. The Colts rely heavily on their offensive line and defense to anchor them. On the defensive side, as stated earlier, they will be without DL Buckner as he has COVID-19. Their defense should still be able to dominate this game.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, November 29, 2020
Start Time: 1 p.m. EST
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: TEN: +3 -110 | IND: -3 -110
Over/ Under: O 51½ -110 | U 51½ -110
Moneyline: TEN: +145 | IND: -180
My analysis on betting for this game is to take the over. The Colts and Titans scored 51 points the last time they met, so it should be a relatively high scoring game like the last game was. Avoid the spread, however.
Prediction
In this game, the Colts will dominate the Titans from beginning to end. This won’t be a blowout, but it won’t be as close as it looks. The Colts will take the division lead and will be alone at an 8-3 record.
Final Score: Tennessee Titans 21, Indianapolis Colts 38
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