The Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans play a crucial matchup between the top two teams in the AFC South division. This will be their first showdown of the season before continuing their regular-season series in Week 12. Check out our preview of this game below.
The Colts failed to notch their second three-game win streak of the season, as they fell prey to the Baltimore Ravens in a 24-10 home loss in Week 9. But you could also say that they victimized themselves because of their miscues. Philip Rivers went 25 for 43 for 227 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, while running back Jonathan Taylor had a fumble that was turned into a touchdown by the Ravens. Taylor scored a rushing touchdown but never got to touch the ball again after that fumble. If the Colts are going to put him in the doghouse, that means Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines will share the majority of the workload in the backfield. The Colts are hoping also that TY Hilton will be able to take the field in Week 10 after missing the Ravens game due to a groin injury. But the bigger factor for the Colts against Tennessee will be their defense that did well in containing Lamar Jackson and the Ravens despite the loss. The Ravens went just 5-of-13 on third downs, while also rushing for just 2.9 yards per carry. On the season, the Colts are third overall in the NFL with just 20.0 points allowed per game.
The Colts are 5-3 against the spread in their last eight games overall.
Tennessee snapped a two-game skid by beating the Chicago Bears at home last Sunday, 24-17. The Titans’ pass rush finally showed some life in that game, as the team came up with three sacks, though the Bears were missing three of their starters on the offensive line. Nevertheless, it’s nice for the Titans to see results on their pass rush, as they will use that momentum to bother Philip Rivers in the pocket. But the Titans may not even need to pressure Rivers that much to get him to cough the ball, as the Colts quarterback is a disaster waiting to happen. Rivers has 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions in the season. The Colts might also play without their top offensive downfield weapon in TY Hilton, as mentioned earlier, plus there’s a possibility tight end Jack Doyle will miss Thursday’s game as he has to pass the concussion protocol first on a short week.
The Titans, who are averaging 29.0 points per game (seventh in the NFL), are 3-1 against the spread in their last four contests at home.
